-,-.. "Sydenham. iw; 1 ' ■ PHILADELPHIA }*>} ^-J ' '-J PRINTED FOR t|iE AUTHOR, | LOi JjQ[ f) By Anderson *Meehan. f V / *"pv J £/ 1816. WM District of Pennsylvania, to rvit ■ *».****•«** BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the seventh day of May, J „ % in the fortieth year of the independence of the United States ; L- S- ; of America, A. D. 1816, James Ewell, M. D. of the said dis- »#*****#»** trict, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, in the words following; to wit: " The Medical Companion: treating, according to the most successful prac- tice, i. The diseases common to warm climates and on ship board : n. . Common cases in surgery, as fractures, dislocations, &c. m. The com- plaints peculiar to women and children. With a Dispensatory and Glos- sary. T° which are added, a brief anatomy of the human body; an essay on llygeine, or the art of preserving health and prolonging life ; an Ame- rican Materia Medica, instructing country gentlemen in the very import- ant knowledge of the virtues and doses of our medicinal plants; also, a concise and impartial history of the capture of Washington, and the dis- ease* which sprung from that most deplorable disaster. The third edition —greatly improved. By James Ewell, physician in Washington, formerly of Savannah. " I have always thought it a greater happiness to discover a certain method of curing, even the slightest disease, than to accumulate the largest fortune ; and whoever compasses the former, I esteem not only happier, but wiser and better too." Sydenham." In conformity to the act of the o ingress of the United States, entitled, " An act for the encouragement of learn-ng, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned," and also to the act, entitled, '• An act for the en- couragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men- tioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engra- ving, and etching historical and other prints." D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the District of Philadelphia. RECOMMENDATIONS. IN testimony of the merits of this work, the following commendations, by some of the most distinguish- ed medical characters of the United States, are in- serted. Philadelphia, December 31, 1807. Dear Sir, I have read your book entitled " The Medical Companion? with pleasure, and think it worthy the attention of the citizens of the United States. W. SHIPPEN, M. D. Professor of Anatomy. Dr. James Ewell. Philadelphia, December 31, 1807. Dear Sir, I have carefully perused your work, " The Medical Compa- nion," and take much pleasure in expressing my entire approba- tion of the plan, and of the utility with which you have con- ducted your inquiries. Your book cannot fail to be a very ac- ceptable present to the public in general, and especially to our own countrymen. I really am of opinion, that you are entitled to much praise for the pains which you have taken in furnishing us with a work, the want of which has long been experienced among us. Your friend, &c. B. S. BARTON, M. D. Professor of Materia Medica, Natural History and Botany. Dr. James Ewell. Philadelphia, December 29, 1807. Dear Sir, " The Medical Companion" I have read very attentively, and consider it the most useful popular treatise on medicine ever pub- lished. iv RECOMMENDATIONS. The writings of Tissot, Buchan, and Reece on this subject, have deservedly acquired reputation ; but their practice is adapted rather to the diseases of the countries in which they lived than to our own. A well digested work, inculcating a practice suited to the dis- eases of the United States, has been long required. You have now supplied the want. I trust that your very valuable book may be widely circulated. With great esteem, 1 am, sir, &c. N. CHAPMAN, M. D. Lecturer on Midwifery, and the diseases of Women and Children, in the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. James Ewell. Philadelphia, December 26, 1807. Dear Sir, I have looked over " The Medical Companion" with plea- sure. Being better adapted to the general circumstances of the people of the United States than any other production of the kind hitherto published, it cannot fail to prove an invaluable " Compa- nion" to those remote from medical aid. Your friend and obedient servant, CHARLES CALDWELL, M. D. Dr. James Ewell. December 28, 1807. I have read " The Medical Companion" by Dr. James Ewell, with satisfaction. It is a book containing a variety of matter in a small compass. The practice which he recommends in diseases, is modern and judicious, and the work cannot fail of being useful in all families in the United States. JAMES WOODHOUSE, M. D. Professor of Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. James Ewell. Dear Sir, I have looked over your " Medical Companion" with plea- sure. The arrangement of the various parts is judicious, the lan- guage plain and perspicuous, and the sentiments happily con- densed ; the modes of treatment grow out of the most improved RECOMMENDATIONS. V state of our science, and may serve as a safe and useful guide to every family, cut off from the services of able physicians. Accept the homage of my regard. JOHN B. DAVIDGE, M. D. Professor of Anatomy, Surgery, &c. in the College of Medicine of Maryland, Dr. James Ewell. Baltimore, Feb. 19, 1808. Dear Sir, We have perused your " Medical Companion" with much satisfaction, and strongly recommend it to the attention of those families who cannot with convenience procure medical aid. We think it the best publication we have ever read on the domestic treatment of diseases, more especially as it regards those of our climate. We are, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servants, BROWN & MACKENZIE. Dr. James Ewell. Baltimore, March 4, 1808. Sir, I have read your book on Domestic Medicine with pleasure. The practice recommended in it is judicious, and being from the pen of a native physician, has great advantage over the publications of Buchan and Tissot. JOHN SHAW, M. D. Professor of Chemistry in the College of Medicine of Maryland. Dr. James Ewell, Charleston, May 7, 1808. Dear Sir, Your " Medical Companion" contains much useful know- ledge in a small compass, and is particularly adapted to these states. Families remote from medical aid, will find their account in pos- sessing a book which describes diseases so plainly, and prescribes for them so judiciously, as bid fair to save valuable lives, which otherwise might be lost. Your most obedient servant, DAVID RAMSAY, M. D. Dr. James Ewell. vi RECOMMENDATIONS. Charleston, S. C. May 12, 1808. Dear Sir, The perusal of your " Medical Companion" has given me the greatest satisfaction. Such a publication has been much wanted, and I think the plan and execution of your work, must answer the most valuable purposes. Yours very truly, ALEX. BARRON, M. D. Dr. James Exvell. Charleston, May 14, 1808. Dear Sir, I have with great pleasure perused your " Family Physi- cian." I find it to be a well digested compend of the most mo- dern and approved modes of treating diseases, especially those to which our country is most exposed. You have subjoined a dis- pensatory, judiciously calculated to obviate those errors which loo frequently ensue from the exhibition of medicine, where the aid of the practitioner cannot be obtained. Yours, &c. PHILIP G. PRIOLEAU. Dr. James Ewell. Washington, March 1, 1808. Sir, I return you my thanks for the copy of « The Medical Com- panion" you have been so kind as to send me, and must particu- larly express my sense of the favourable sentiments expressed towards me in the beginning of the work ; especially too, where it recalls to my recollection the memory of your respectable fa- ther, who was the friend and companion of my youth, and for whom I retained through life an affectionate attachment. The plan of your work is certainly excellent, and its execution, as far as I am a judge, worthy of the plan. It brings within a mo- derate compass whatever is useful, levels it to ordinary compre- hension, and as a manual, will be a valuable possession to everv family. ' I pray you accept my salutations and assurances of esteem and "esPect- TH: JEFFERSON. Dr. Ewell. The following Review is from that celebrated work the New York Medical Repository, Manuals of health, or popular publications on medicine, have become so frequent as to have excited the censure of some grave *.wl ovular members of the profession. They consider their RECOMMENDATIONS. vii publishing brethren as unnecessarily divulging the arcana of the art, as depreciating its credit and estimation, and as teaching the com- mon mass of readers to know as much as themselves. This com- municative disposition they conceive to be carried to a very faulty extreme. For when the secrets of the healing faculty are pro- mulgated by its members, with such consummate knowledge and success, what is left for distinguishing the regularly initiated from those who are without the pale"? The propagation of the Escula- pian mysteries is viewed to be faulty on another account; inas- much as in diminishing the importance, it lessens the profits of the practisers, and thus, for the gratification and emolument of one tell-tale author, the whole fraternity is disparaged. Let us, however, do justice to those sons of physic who arc- thus accused of faithlessness, in uttering abroad those matters which ought to be viewed as under the restriction of closed doors. Contrast their conduct with that of another class of medical per- sonages, who for ever deal in nostrums, and are incessantly boast- ing of their wonder-working powers; who assure the credulous world they can cure every possible disease of mind and body; but with a cunning equal to their effrontery, permit no mortal to be- come acquainted with their remedies. Compare the conduct of him who withholds nothing from his fellow citizens, with that of him who keeps every thing to himself. There can scarcely be a stronger exhibition of generous communication on the one part, and of selfish concealment on the other. Whatever may be pleaded in behalf of the persons who refuse to make a magnanimous pub- lication for the good of mankind, of such valuable means of cure as they may possess, or who secure the profits of them under the statute of patents, there certainly is a character of greater disin- terestedness and philanthropy, and a temper of a brighter mould and finish in him, who, without fee or price, offers to his fellow creatures all he knows that will be beneficial to them. We know it has been said, that a smattering in the knowledge of the animal economy, and of diseases, multiplies the number of patients, and encourages the practice of physic. Books on such subjects, addressed to the people at large, are peculiarly calcula- ted to alarm their fears whenever they are unwell, and, therefore, impel them to seek assistance from those on whose skill they re- ly. It has been surmised too, that the disciples of Buchan, Wil- lich, and their coadjutors, have often been led, from a superficial and conceited knowledge, to become prescribers to others, and have, by their blunders, rendered the attendance of the regular physician more needful than ever. Hence it has been argued, that publications of this kind fail to promote the plausible object of their composition, and, in reality, produce a mischievous, and not a beneficial effect. It has even been urged against them, that they are of no service to any person but the writer, who may diffuse his fame and increase his wealth in proportion to the circulation of his hook, and the consequent disturbance it works in society. Vlll RECOMMENDATIONS. Whatever may be the merits of this controversy among those who are toiling night and day in the service of the infirm and dis- abled, or in the compilation of volumes, for our own parts, as reviewers, we feel favourable to the general distribution of know- ledge. We are not attached to monopolies of any kind, and less than any, to that which confines to a particular order, the infor- mation which will teach man how to prevent sickness and pain, and to remove these ills when they invade. He who publishes wholesome precepts and directions, cannot be denied the merit of good intention ; and it would be hard to refuse him the additional credit of having done substantial good to those who have followed his advice. Having indulged these prefatory reflections, we ad- vance to the consideration of the work before us. The author has prefixed to it a dedication to the President of the United States, a preface explanatory of his design, and a num- ber of recommendatory epistles from his friends. Then follows a chapter of preliminary observations, of which we were inclined to offer an extract, for the gratification of our readers ; but our limits forbade. The body of the work is devoted to the consideration of the principal diseases which assail the human frame at different times of life. They begin with fevers, and end with rickets ; without, however, observing any strict method or nosological arrangement. Each section stands by itself, and has little or no connexion with the preceding or subsequent matter. But a table of contents and index are two good keys to the subjects discussed. The diseases are severally considered in short and generally ap- propriate terms. After a definition, the observations are mostly comprised under the heads of symptoms, causes, treatment, and regimen ; to which, in some instances, are added paragraphs on prevention. And it is but justice to observe, that the author has manifested a careful and discriminating mind in condensing so much valuable instruction into such a moderate compass. The sententious, and, at the same time, intelligible manner of convey- ing his directions, is at once calculated to give the reader a clear idea of his meaning, and a favourable opinion of his understand- ing. Besides the observations that are strictly medical, the work con- tains a variety of directions upon surgical subjects. To render his compilation more generally useful and .accepta- ble, the author has annexed to it a Dispensatory. This consists of two parts: the first comprehends a table of medicines for family use, with their doses and qualities annexed ; and the second con- tains a collection of receipts for the principal part of the com- pound medicines recommended in the course of the work. And this part of the publication is executed in a manner that justifies vhe opinion we hinted before, of Dr. Ewell's sagacity and skill. TO HIS EXCELLENCY THOMAS JEFFERSON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. I BEG leave to present this book to Mr. Jefferson, not because he is President of 1807, but because he was the patriot of 1776; and still more, because, through the whole of a long and glorious life, he has been the philosopher and friend of his country: with all the ingenuity of the former, exposing the misrepresenta- tions of illiberal foreigners; and with all the ardour of the latter, fanning the fire of American science, and watering the roots of that sacred olive which sheds her peaceful blessings over our land. To whom then, with equal propriety, could I dedicate a book, designed at least to promote health and longevity ? And Vll DEDICATION. to whom am I so bound by the tenderest ties of affection and gratitude, as to Mr. Jefferson ? The early classmate and con- stant friend of my deceased father, and in- strumentally the author of my acquaint- ance with the first characters in the state of Georgia; among whom, with peculiar pleasure, I would mention the honourable names of Milledge, Troup, Bullock, and Flournov. That you may long direct the councils of a united and wise people, steadily pursuing health, peace, and competence, the main pillars of individual and na- tional happiness, is the fervent prayer, of your Excellency's Much obliged, and Very grateful servant, JAMES EWELL. PREFACE. ON the important subject of domestic medicine, ma- ny books have been written, which, though excellent in other respects, have greatly failed of usefulness to Ame- ricans ; because they treat of diseases which, existing in very foreign climates and constitutions, must widely differ from ours. The book now offered to the public has, therefore, the great advantage of having been writ- ten by a native American, of long and successful prac- tice in these southern states, and who, for years past, has turned much of his attention to the composition of it. The professed object of his book is to treat in the most clear and concise manner, almost every disease to which the human body is subject—to give their com- mon names and surest symptoms—to point out the causes whence they originate, and the most approved method of treatment—and, lastly, to prescribe the suit- able regimen and means of prevention. A publication like this, cannot but be exceeding useful to all, and especially to those who live in the country, or who go to sea, where regular and timely assistance can- not always be obtained. Among the many and great services, which may be rendered by such a book, we may fairly state its ten- dency to prevent that dangerous officiousiiess of ignorant xii preface. persons, as also, that equally pernicious neglect of the patient, at the onset of the disease, whereby so many lives are lost. These, with many other evils resulting from the want of such a work, constituted the motives which first led the author to offer this publication to his countrymen. It is not for him to determine, whether it be happily executed or not; but whatever may be the general opinion as to its merit, he has the high satisfac- tion to' know, that it not only flows from the purest mo- tives, but also contains a faithful relation of facts, found- ed principally on his own experience } and what is not his own, has been selected from authors of the greatest celebrity. As to language, he has not, he confesses, been over- studious of ornament. Having made it his prime ob- ject to convey instruction, he has employed the style which to him appeared the most familiar and intelligi- ble ; so that in all cases of disease, the patient might be directed in the plainest manner possible to the appro- priate remedies. The reader will find in the latter part of the work, a table of such medicines as are almost constantly called for in families, with an adaption of the doses, accord- ing to the age of the patient, together with directions how to prepare and administer them. r To have those articles always in readiness, would not only save a gr^at deal of time and expense of send- ing on every trivial occasion to a distant physician, but must also afford to a tender parent or master, an infi* nite satisfaction, because of the very great advantage it gives him over a disease which he can meet with a suit- able remedy at the first moment of its attack. For there can be no doubt, that thousands have perished, not be- cause there were no remedies, but because these reme- PREFACE, xiii dies were at such a distance, that the patient was lost, before they could be brought to him. It is a well known fact, that the hero of Stony Point, the brave general Wayne, after his defeat of the Indi- ans on the Miami, was suddenly taken off by a gouty spasm in the stomach, which might easily have been cured, could a single pint of French brandy have been procured. What numbers have died miserably of lock- jaw, and cholera morbus, for lack of a vial of laudanum, with proper directions to use it ? How many fond mo- thers have hung distracted over their children, strang- ling under the croup, or swollen with the poison of ser- pents, when the former might so easily have been cured by an emetic, and the latter by caustic volatile alkali. But it were an endless task to enumerate all the heart- breaking tragedies that have taken place in families, merely for the want of the appropriate remedies, of sud- den and alarming diseases. It were therefore a god- like act in all persons, in tolerable circumstances, to keep a medicine chest, not only for the benefit of their own families, but also of their sick and indigent neigh- bours, who often suffer, and sometimes perish, for want of proper medicines seasonably administered. As it is impossible entirely to banish technical phrases when writing on medicine, the reader is presented with a Glossary, explaining the medical and scientific terms which have unavoidably been employed in this work. To conclude ; the author, animated by the extraordi- nary success of the " Medical Companion/1 has greatly improved and enlarged this third edition, by adding a synopsis of the anatomy and physiology of the human body; essays on air, food, exercise, sleep, evacuations, and passions; and a Materia Medica of the United xiv PREFACE. States.—Also, having been himself a melancholy spec- tator of the capture of Washington by the British, he has annexed a concise and impartial history of that awful tragedy, with sundry important hints relative to those bilious and camp fevers, and dysenteries, which followed that great national calamity. With these improvements, he flatters himself the " Medical Companion" will not fail to be far more ac- ceptable to his fellow-citizens ; and under this pleasing impression, he submits it to their generous patronage. TABLE OF CONTENTS. page. ADMONITORY hints to ladies 418 Apopletic fits . . 321 Asthma - . -336 Bites of Mosquitoes ------venomous animals Bleedi»g at the nose Blood-letting' Capture of Waslrington Chicken, or swine pox Chilblains - . Cholera morbus Cold - . Collection and preservation of vegetable substances Colic -... Common ulcers Consumption ... Convulsive fits Cestiveness and wind Cramp ... Croup, or hives Deafness ... Diarrhoea, or looseness Discharge from the vagina Diseases of children requiring external treatment Diseases of children requiring medical treatment Dislocations - . Dislocation of the jaw ------of the shoulder - ------of the elbow —;----of the thigh Dispensatory - - Dropsy Dysentery Earach Epidemic - Epileptic fits Eruptions of the skin - • 373 ibid . 311 - 405 629 310 376 342 273 595 540 385 314 454 453 332 456 298 343 456 450 •450 396 398 ibid 399 ibid 597 365 319 298 289 322 361 Fainting fits ... 324 Falling of the palate - . 282 Fevers in general . . 245 Intermittent, or ague and fever 247 Nervous fever Remittent, or bilious fever Gleet Glossary . Gonorrhoea ... Gout Guinea worm - Headach Herniae, or rupture - Heartburn Hiccup, Hooping Cough Hydrophobia Hygienia, or the art of pre. serving health Of Air Food ... Exercise ... Sleep Evacuations Of the Passions Love Hope - Joy . Grief Fear - Anger ... Hatred . Envy Avarice Intemperance Vanity Modesty . . Dress Cleanliness Patriotism - Religion Hypochondriac disease Hysteric fits Incontinence of urine Index ... Indigestion, or weakness of the stomach Infantile jaundice Inflammation of the bladder -----of the intestines page. 263 254 - 353 659 350 347 - 375 297 - 378 337 ■ 335 459| 374 56 57 ■ 74 90 - 97 109 110 111 137 140 145 151 162 174 185 - 189 192 204 209 215 220 223 228 328 324 316 677 338 •451 297 295 xvi CONTENTS. page. Inflammation of the kidnies 296 ! _____of the liver - - 291 -----of the stomach - 293 Injuries of the head, and frac- tures of the limbs 400 Intoxication - - 369 Issues ... 408 Itch 363 Jaundice - - 366 Looseness, or cholera infantum 454 Management of child-bed - 437 -----of infants - - -445 Materia Medica - - 461 Measles ... - 309 Menstruation ... 420 Mortification - - 394 Mumps .... 283 Night mare ... 335 Obstruction of urine - 354 Palpitation of the heart - 3" 4 Palsy ... 326 Penpneumony, or inflamma- ggg tion of the lungs Phrensy, or inflammation of ^79 the brain Piles - - .318 Pleurisy .... 285 Poisons ... 372 Pox 354 pregnancy ... 423 Preliminary observations - 1 Progress of labour - - 429 Prolapsus ani, or falling of the ^on fundament Putrid sore throat - - 279 Quinsy, or inflammatory sore throat 276 pape. Recovering persons apparent- ly drowned 370 Recovering persons apparently killed by lightning or nox- 371 ious vapours Red gum - 452 Rheumatism - 300 Rickets - - - 460 Saint Anthony's fire • 310 Scalds and burns - • - 377 Scirrhus, or cancer - • 383 Scrofula, or king's evil - 365 Scurvy - - - 359 Sea sickness ... 368 Seminal weakness - - 353 mall-pox - • 30f Snuffles ..-- *451 Sore eyes ... - 283 Spitting of blood - - 312 Sprains and bruises - - 395 Structure of the human machine 13 Suppression and difficulty of gif urine Swallowing of pins - - 376 Table of medicines for family use 598 Teething ... 454 Tetany, or locked jaw - 332 Tetter, or ring-worm - 363 Thrush - - - 453 Tinea, or scald-head - - 364 Toothacb - - - - 299 Tumours, or boils - - 382 Vaccine disease, or cow-pox 303 Venereal disease - - 350 Warts and corns - - 381 Watery head - - 455 5 White swelling - - 367 Whitlow .... 381 Worms .... 453i Wounds - . 388 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS, ——>»®@© CONTEMPLATING the numberless diseases to wliich man is liable, and which may cause him to drag out a protracted life of distress, or suddenly to cut him off in the bloom of his existence and amidst his useful- ness, we must adore that divine excellence which has in medicine given to us the means of counteracting those dreadful evils. As might have been expected, the attention paid to this most important art, which is " fairly worth the seven," has ever kept pace with the general progress of intellec- tual improvement, and that it has received the respect and encouragement of every enlightened people. With the Greeks, especially, the wisest and most po- lished of all the ancient nations, medicine was held in the highest estimation. Its votaries were cherished and revered by them while living, and in some instances they carried their enthusiasm so far as to deify them af- ter death. It is not indeed easy to conceive a more no- ble character, than a great and amiable practitioner of our profession, one, who has expanded his mind to the utmost verge by the brilliant attainments of science, and mellowed the dispositions of his heart by the habitual exercise of benevolence towards the afflicted objects of his care. How exemplary are Physicians of this de- scription? Such was Hippocrates, the father of medi- cine. Such was the pious, the enlightened Sydenham: B 2 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS". Such was the benevolent Jones of Savannah: Such is that "brilliant star,*' the enlightened Rush, and such are many otliers who have emulated their virtues and rivalled their fame, among whom, I have the high satisfaction to enumerate of my particular friends, Craik of Alexandria, Weems of Georgetown, Stevenson of Baltimore, and Chapman of Philadelphia. „ But unliappily, all those who profess our art do not resemble those bright examples. Medicine more than any other good thing, is subject to abuse and debase- ment, by the sordid and mischievous "tricks and devi- ces" of empiricism. Like noxious weeds these impos- tors rise up at first, from the rank soil of their own ef- frontery ; but they owe much of their subsequent growth to the protection which they derive from the want of that information widely diffused, Avhich would at once detect, and " laugh into scorn" their idle claims, and arraign to conviction their dangerous tendencies. They live but by tolerance. The slightest examination of their pretensions, would drive the herd into "their holes 'and hiding places of obscurity, and consign their iridelg spread fame to " the tomb of all the Capulets." It is strange, u it is passing strange," that so little popular curiosity prevails with regard to medicine, par- ticularly when the public mind is so actively alive to sub- jects certainly of less moment. Talk to the generality of mankind about property and you would suppose they were all lawyers, they reason so sensibly on the various points of meum et tuum. But touch them about that wliich is of more worth than all property, I mean health, and they are as silent as mutes. Did not experience evince the fact, we should think it impossible that in things of such high concern, men could be so preposter- ously deceived! so careful of the dross, and yet so neg- ligent of the gold. What can be more sublimely or deeply interesting than th" investigation of that beautiful organization which has, emphatically, been pronounced " God's mas- ter work?" What more important than acquiring the knowledge of preserving this admirable mechanism ?=And what more pleasant and useful than, to investigate th;* PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 3 medical plants of our extensive country whereby we may remedy those painful maladies which assail the human frame ? Half the attention and the time which is devoted to the minor politics arising out of our party dissentions, assisted by very little of that overboiling zeal that is given to the acquisition of property, and the « gain of pelf," would, if appropriated to medical studies, enable any person of tolerable capacity to practice with safety and advantage in those cases of simple disease, which are most incident to our climate, and to determine be- tween the " arrant Quack" and the modes!; veil-educa- ted, and judicious physician. Assuredly, some care might be profitably directed to medicine. Why will not the intelligent citizens who are scattered throughout the country, dedicate a part of their " liberal leisure" to it? Of all the sciences it is the most inviting, and that which opens the largest treasures to its cultivators. No one can lend his mind to it with- out receiving " usurious interest." Medicine is the di- gest of human knowledge. It is the great reservoir in- to which every stream of science pours its tribute, which in return spreads its fertilizing water over every iield that brings forth its " ripe and abundant harvest." The want of a popular medical education, we have remarked, promotes the success of Empirics. To what else can the amazing increase of these creatures be as- cribed. Would they dare to quit the shades of their native insignificance, 'if they thought they were to encoun- ter the blaze of criticism, or to be inspected and scruti- nized bv the torch of truth? No: the teiroi- of such a process,\vere it practised, would exterminate the race or leave to them only a " beggarly account of empty boxes." We repeat it, that Empirics are nurtured and sustain- ed exclusively by the prejudices of mankind in their fa- vour, arising from their 'inability to judge rightly of their merits! For can it lie presumed that any one, who is at all acquainted with the subject, would repose the slightest confidence in the nostrums of the most stupid, illiterate, dishonest, and vagrant of society, who are 4 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. confessedly destitute of even the elements, the mere al- phabet of medicine. Who can believe—that these nostrums, as is gene- rally asserted by their proprietors, are applicable equal- ly to a variety of diseases, as opposite to each other as the poles, and that too, under every difference of age, constitution, temperament, habit, season, climate, &c. ? Is it to be credited that skill can be possessed in a pro- fession the most complex without any preparatory devotion to it? Reason and experience combine to assert the impossibility. The powers of eloquence, or poetry, may be an in- heritance; but, medicine is not intuitive. Whoever ac- quires it, that is, that thorough knowledge of it, which confers " surpassing skill," must undergo a slow, toil- some and arduous probation. Its temple is raised on the summit of the loftiest em- inence, and the path which leads to it, winds in tedious tortuosity, narrow, intricate and perplexed ; but strew- ed, at its different stages, with flowers to tempt, and hung at its termination with fruits to reward. Few, very few have ever reached Jt. The majority of those who set out on the enterprize become soon discouraged and ei- ther linger by the way, or are lost in its mazes. The energies of genius, assisted by unwearied dili- gence, can only hope to surmount the difficulties and to gain the prize. But candour must still allow that the Empiric strength- ens in some degree his credit with the public by some- times performing great and imposing cures. Such in- stances, however, of occasional success, bring with them no solid claims to confidence. They are indeed calcu- lated to excite distrust when properly viewed. Their cures, which are admitted to be few, are alone register- ed and promulgated. Nothing is ever said of the fail- ures or the deaths produced. No regular and impartial account is kept, or any striking adjustment of ballances. But, what must really be the fatality of a practice con- ducted in a way so rash and indiscriminate, without the guide of either principle or experience? The nostrums employed are uniformly composed of ingredients of the PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 5 greatest activity, principally, of the mineral poisons, as arsenic, corrossive sublimate, calomel, kc. &c. and which can never be neutral in their operations. Whenever ad- ministered they assume a side in tlie pending contest and exert all their might either for the patient or the diabase, till one or the other yields. The preceeding is a faithful picture of Empiricism— of its swaggering pretensions ; of its danger, and its un- certainties; "a plain and unvarnished tale, in which nought is extenuated or set down in malice." But with the too prevalent inclination for nostrums, we regret the strange aversion that exists and which pro- ceeds from the same neglect of medicine, to some of the most efficacious remedies. Tartar is denounced as a certain destroyer of the stomach ; mercury because it lodges in the bones ; arsenic as rancorously poisonous, &c. &c. Thus are those powerful and salutary agents, when in the hands of a judicious Physician, stigmatized by the false views of rude and vulgar prejudice. It has been wisely and truely declared by high authority, " that all medicines in large dose* are poisons, and that' poisons in small doses are the best medicines." This is no paradox. The efficacy of a remedy must be pro- portioned to its force, provided, it be administered wifli. discretion, and its operation properly restrained. On the contrary, the weakest medicine becomes poisonous when given in an undue quantity. In the use of medicines we should be careful to adapt them to the nature of the disease, and the condition of the patient's system at the time. For the salutary pro- perties of a remedy are not possitive, but entirely rela- tive to the peculiar circumstances of the case. A remedy, therefore, may do harm, or prove benefi- cial according to the degree of judgment exercised in its employment. This position might easily be illustrated and enforced by a variety of example ;. We shall men- tion, however, only a few that are most pertinent. What then is more sanative in its effects than the Peruvian bark in the treatment of interna! tent fever or gangrene; or more deleterious if given in an cxci'ed system ? Where is there a readier cleanser of a foul 6 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. stomach than emetics, yet, in inflammations of that or- gan, nothing would prove so pernicious? The same remark applies to cathartics, " nature's scavengers of a gorged alimentary canal." With regard to the lancet. What could we do without it ? How quell thdse dreadful insurrections of acqpte disease which every where ravage our country ? But indispensable as it is in such cases, yet, there is perhaps, no remedy, which is more mischievous when wrongly applied. Who has not experienced the soothing restorative operation of opium, that divine medicine, which has not with too much force, been called "magnum Dei do- num;" (the great gift of God J and who has not known its demoniacal influence when imprudently employed ? In this way we might proceed through every class of the Materia Medica, deriving proofs to fortify our rea- soning, and to warn us of the danger of abusing reme- dies. Enough, however, has been said: we trust the, admonition will not be neglected. To adopt and to accommodate, as we have indicated, the various medicines of which we are possessed, is the secret of successful practice, and constitutes the wide difference between the discriminating physician and em- piric. The practice of the one is governed by principles slowly and cautiously deduced from the contributions of long experience and diversified observations; and that of the other is the result of daring experiment, sanction- ed only by the chances and calculations of the lottery. In the revolutions of the Avheel, and amidst a thousand blanks, a prize will come out! Thus, an important 'cure by an Empiric, like an enormous prize, seizes pub- lic attention, and is sounded abroad by the " clarion of fame," while the evidence of the murderous practice, like the blanks of the lottery, are luished in silence or buried in forgetfulness: It may be proper to observe here, that in using all active medicines, we should begin with the smallest do- yes, increasing them gradually, until the quantity suited to the strength of the constitution is discovered. For PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 7 there are instances of constitutions on which one fourth, and even one tenth, of what would not effect others, will act powerfully. As the system speedily accommodates itself to the ac- tion of medicines we should never continue one medicine. too long at a time. When we find it is losing its effica- cy, it should be changed for some other of the sains class, and after a short interval the patient may, if he chuse, return to his first medicine. By thus varying the remedies, as the system becomes accustomed to their action, Ave shall be enabled to cure diseases which other- wise would not have yielded; as in obstinate intermit- ten s, where I have frequently employed the bark with- out effect r but on changing it for either the solution of arsenic, or vitriolic pills,* a cure has generally taken place, and when it did not, by exciting a slight mercuri- al action in the system and immediately following it with one or the other of the above medicines, I have pretty constantly succeeded. On this account medicines should never be made too free with, us preventives of disease, unless there be evidently a morbid predisposi- tion lurking in the system; for by thus wantonly fami- liarizing ourselves to medicine when there exists no necessity for it, we shall stand a very good chance to be disappointed of its proper effects, in the season of our need. Bitters, those especially that are made with spirits, like other cordials, have no doubt their use at times, as in damp weather which hangs so heavily on the springs of life. But to use them or mint slings, or drams as some do every morning, even the brightest, when dumj) nature herself is smiling and every bird and beast is ut- tering its artless joy, is a savage suicidal practice.— It is a most wicked attempt to substitute artificial and false joys in place of those that are most pure and natu- ral. But such an impious fighting against God and Na- ture, generally turns out as might be expected. These wretched self-destroyers seldom live out half their days. For the same delightful exhiliration which one antifog- matic produced last year, requires two this ye^r, and in "Vid. Dispensatory 8 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. that increase, till the habit of intemperate drinking is confirmed. Hoav melancholy it is that rational be- ings should act so madly, and that the all bounti- ful Creator cannot intrust us Avith his good things, Avithout our shameful abuse of them! Thus it is, that, men turn into poisons those pleasant beverages that were given for cordials to raise their depressed spirits, to invigorate their flaccid nerves, and to enable nature to repel the various attacks of a humid or infected at- mosphere. Among the many remedies of disease, there is none perhaps, that holds a higher place than the bath, in its different forms. The cold bath, by its sudden shock, is peculiarly fitted to invigorate the system and to re-ani- mate its circulations and secretions. Hence its acknoAv- ledged reputation in all cases of Aveak and relaxed ha- bits, particularly those of the studious and sedentary. It ought hoAvever to be remembered, that like every other remedy, it belongs but to one set of diseases. In affections of the viscera, obstructions, and inflammations, it is hurtful. If after leaving the bath, the patient do not feel a kindly gloAV on the surface, he has good cause to fear that the angel of health Avas not there be- fore him " to move the waters." On going into the plunging bath, as it is called, it were better to dash in at once head foremost. Tbe shock in this Avay is more instantaneous and the distribution of the blood more salutary than when it is driven, as by wetting the feet first, from the extremities to the head. It is on this principle that the shower bath possesses advantages superior to the plunging. Immediately on coming out of the bath the body should be rubbed dry with flannel or coarse cloths, and moderate exercise taken. Besides the advantages of general cold bathing, its partial use is no less salutary in all cases of local action. In periodical headach, and indeed in most complaints of the head, the affusion of cold water, though a simple, is a very effectual remedy. If persons subject to the quinsey and sore throat, in- stead of muffling their necks, Avould bathe them two or three times a day in cold water, they Avould find thei? PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 9 account in it. When the healthy resort to the cold bath, on account of its purifying and pleasant effects, they may aontinue in it for some time. But to strengthen and give elasticity to the solids, every thing depends upon the sudden shock. The time of day for bathing is a matter of indifference, provided it be not immediately after a full stomach, and when the body is warm and in a state of free perspiration. The warm bath, Avhich is about the temperature of the blood, has nearly all the advantages of the cold bath, Avit^out being liable to so many objections. Some in- deed tell us, that it weakens the body, but so far from doing so, it may. justly be considered as one of tiie most powerful and universal restoratives Avith Avhich we are. acquainted. Instead of heating, it cools the body, diminishes the pulse, and takes off its unnatural quick- ness, according to the length of time the bath is con- tinued. Hence tepid baths are of great service, Avhen the body has been over heated, from whatever cause, whether by severe bodily or mental exercise. In all these cases, its happily composing and recuperative vir-. tues, seem to be owing to its tenuency to promote per- spiration, and to relax spasm. Warm bathing, hardly can be sufficiently commend. ed for its sovereign effects in promoting cleanliness, and consequently for curing all diseases of obstructed per- spiration from foul skin. It is much to be lamented that so many poor children should be made the victims of their parents lazi- ness, and neglect of this most sweet and healthful virtue, cleanliness. For would they devote a little of their mispent time and money, to the more decent clo- thing and frequent washing of their children, there could be no doubt that those little innocents would en- joy ten thousand times more comfort than they can pos- sibly expect Avhile covered Avith filth, and tortured Miih scald-heads, blotches, itch, and vermin. In fine, hav- ing seen the fatal termination of so many diseases, in my opinion, easily cureable by the bath, I cannot 'dis- miss this important subject without earnestly recommen- ding it to every gentleman to provide, for his family t\m 10 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS- convenience of bathing, as being not only one of the greatest luxuries, but best preservatives of health in these warm climates. Not only is it essential to health, thus luxuriously to refresh the person by bathing and Avashing off the im- purities of the skin, but an equal solicitude should ex- ist to remove all, filth out of the chambers of the sick, and frequently to change their linen and bed clothes, Avhich when saturated Avith foetid perspirable matter, must prove extremely unpleasant and hurtful to the pa- tient. And here I cannot but breath the most fervent Avish that my numerous friends, the Planters, for whose ser- vice chiefly this book is intended, would be persuaded to insist more rigorously on cleanliness in the persons of their slaves. That the.constitution of the African is more firm than our-, and better fitted to sustain the toils of warm climates, is very certain, but it is equally true that his daily labours, Avith the sudden changes of Avea- ther, often put his constitution, good as it may be, to trials, which loudly call for every aid that humanity can -possibly afford him. Of these aids, next to plenty of wholesome food, cleanliness is one of the greatest. It is indeed a medicine both of body and mind. The poor- est slave hoAvever degraded his condition may be, has still left a portion of mind, Avhich can never be totally insensible to his outward appearance. Cover him Avith rags and filth, and you not only injure his body by ob- structing perspiration and corrupting the fluids, but you attack him in his mind: knowing that he appears vile and loathsome to others, he becomes much more so to himself. This idea corrodes reflection, depresses his spirits, and in conjunction Avith other causes> often brings on diseases wliich press him to an untimely grave. Whereas by ordering him frequently to bathe, and by affording him three changes of apparel, of which he could ahvays have one clean, you would greatly refresh and comfort him both in mind and body. Thinking that he makes a decent appearance in the eyes of others, he becomes well pleased with himself, and looking on his new habit, hoAvever cheap and simple, as an evidence PREUMINYRY OBSEItVA'MO\'d. H of his master's affection and value for him, he feels at once the touch of an honest pride in himself, and of friendship for his master, which lightens his task and SAveetens all his toils. But, if cleanliness be of such importance to the health- ful, how much more so to the sick slave. When sink- ing under the heat and burden of his labours,-can it he. good policy to suffer him to be put like a mere animal into a narrow dirty cabin ; there left, with scarcely a child to hand him •• a cup of cold water," with no food but dry bread, and breathing the foetid atmosphere of a sultry, filthy habitation ! In such circumstances, what but a miracle can save him from destruction ? Having been frequently an eye witness of such scenes. (of which the owner himself Avas, perhaps, ignorant,) 1 feel it my duty to advise him not only for humanity, but interest sake, to erect for his slaves, especially if he have many, a cheap, coarse kind of building as a hos- pital. This building should be fixed on some spot, en- joying in the highest degree, the double advantage of good^vater and'air. It o light to consist of but. one large room quite open to the top, well aired by doors and windows, and with a plank floor, that it may be fre- quently washed and kept perfectly clean. Some good lemoered notable old woman of the family should be appointed to attend the sick and supply the proper nourishment. In this cheap and simple way, many a valuable slave might, wc are certain, be saved to his owner, Avhich alone were an ample reward without counting the present comfort of such humanity, or the future blessings of Him, who has promissed, that »• every act of love, even to the poorest slave, shall be remem- bered as if done to himself." To the truly wonderful effects of this regimen, embracing cleanliness, fresh-air, good nursing and diet, I, myself, can bear the most public and uhequivocal testimony. In the year 1805, Avhen our Bummer and Autumnal fever raged AATith uncommon violence and mortality in Savannah, having considerable practice among the slip- ping, I was induced, chiefly from motives of humanity, !\> open a private hospital lor Seamen. And though 1 13 BRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. had usually from twenty to thirty patients during the sickly season, I lost but one of all who had been taken into the hospital at an early stage of the disease. This extraordinary success, I ascribe in a great measure to the virtues of the regimen above recommended. And in support of this reasoning, I Avill venture to assert, that hardly an instance can be quoted of the recovery of sea- men when left neglected, or badly attended in the con- fined boarding-rooms, or stearages of the ships where they were attacked. The very happy result of the little Hospital system above stated, cannot but excite the most earnest wish for a similar establishment in Savannah, but on a much larger scale. Such an institution could not fail to prove a great blessing to the state, but more so to Savannah, av here such numbers of useful citizens, especially sea men, are annually sAvept off. It affords me pleasure to state, that since the appear- ance of this friendly hint, in the first edition of this Avork, the humane citizens of Savannah, have actually estab- lished a Hospital as above, and have found it abun- dantly productive of the good effects predicted. For- tunate would it be, if similar institutions were erected in all our seaports. In addition to the softer Avhispers of humanity, gratitude, noAv lifts her louder voice to the nation, and surely our gallant sailors, principally the objects of such hospitals, have given glorious proofs in the late awful contest, that they deserve every mark of attention that a great nation in the plenitude of mu- nificence can bestow. OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN MACHINE Ildw poor, how rich, how abject, how august. How complicate, how wonderful, is man! How passing wonder He who made him such! Who center'd in our make such strange extremes1. From different.natures, marvellously mixed ! An heir of glory ! a frail child of dust! Helpless immortal! insect infinite ! A worm! a God !—I tremble at myself, And in myself am lost. Young. " I am fearfully and wonderfully made 0 Lord," ex- claimed David on surveying the admirable mechanism of liis own frame. Indeed so complicated and curious is the structure of this fabric, which has justly been termed the "master-piece of God's works," that no person, who contemplates it, can possibly avoid joining Avith the pious Psalmist. That greatest physician of antiquity, Galen, is report- ed in his youth to have been a Sceptic, but on witness- ing a dissection, and examining the mechanism of the human body, the divina wisdom and design running through all its parts, he was struck Avith such a sense of the great Architect, that he immediately became a con- vert, and during his life advocated the Avorship of the Deity with all the fervour becoming an enlightened and grateful mind. Having himself, happily, caught the first spark of Divine light.from a survey of this Won drous machine, he earnestly recommends to others the 14 OF THE STRUCTURE OF study of it as the noblest employment of their faculties, and one of the surest guides to rational devotion. His thoughts on this subject, though emanating from a hea- then, are well worth the attention of all Christians.—■ (i Those treatises," says he, "which display the excellen- cies of the great Creator compose one of the noblest and most acceptable hymns. To acquaint ourselves with his sublime perfections, and point out to others his infi- nite power, his unerring avisdom, and his boundless benignity—this is a more substantial act of devotion, than to slay hecatombs of victims at his altar, or kindle mountains of spices.into incense." Noav, as the professed object of this book, the " Me- dical Companion," is to treat the art of preserving this divine piece of Avorkmanship in a healthy state, nothing can impress us more forcibly, than the absolute necessity of being made acquainted Avith its parts, and the laws that govern them. Without some knowledge thereof, it appears no more rational or possible to take the right care of it, or to keep it in good order, than it would be for a man to perpetuate the regular motion of a clock or time piece, Avho Avas totally ignorant of its mechanism. The study of Anatomy as it leads to the knowledge of nature, needs not, says the illustrious Chcselden, many tedious descriptions, nor minute dissections; what is most worth knoAving is soonest learned, and least sub- ject to difficulty, while dividing and describing the parts more than the knoAvledge of their uses requires, perplex the learners, and make the science tedious, dry, and difficult. T Upon this principle, the folloAving anatomical descrip* tion of the human body is conducted; and to render ii perfectly intelligible to the uninformed readers, the technical terms have, as much as possible, been avoided. 4fc' When a master-builder (says the celebrated Her- vey, Avhose sublime sentiments on this theme, are at once so elegant and so appropriate, that I have taken the liberty, frequently to use them) undertakes to erect a magnificent edifice, he begins with the less decorated. but more solid parts, those which are to support, or to contain the rest." This order Ave will follow in consi- dering the structure of the human frame. THE HUMAN MACHINE. 15 The Bones are the hardest, and most solid parts of the human machine, cast into a variety of moulds, en- larged or contracted into a variety of sizes, and calcula- ted from their strength, to support the 'whole body.—- The manner of their articulation is truely admirable, and remarkably various; yet never varied without de- monstrating some wise design and ansAveriug some a a- luable end. They contain marroAV, which makes them less brittle, and are covered Avith a membrane, or thin substance like a bladder, called periosteum (except on the skull, Avhere it is called pericranium) Avhich is exqui- sitely sensible in an inflamed state, being plentifully sup- plied with nerves and blood-vessels. Tts use is to sustain the vessels Avhich enter the substance of the bones Avith their nourishment. The head designed for the residence of the brain, is framed in exact conformity to this im- portant purpose, ample to receive it; strong to uphold it; and firm to defend it. The Ribs, turned into a regular arch, are gently moveable for the act of respiration. They form a secure lodgment for the lungs and the heart. The Back-bone is intended not only to strengthen the body, and sustain its most capacious store-rooms; but also to bring down that communication of the brain, which is usually termed Spinal marrow. The Arms, pendent on either side, are exactly pro- portioned to each other; that the equilibrium of the structure may not be disconcerted. These being the guards which defend, and the ministers which serve the whole body, are fitted for the most diversified and ex- tensive operations; firm Avith bone, yet not weighty Avith flesh; and capable of performing with singular expedition and ease, all manner of useful motions. To these are annexed the hands, and all terminated by the fingers; which are not, like the arms, of the same length, and of equal bigness, but consisting of various little bones, and a multitude of muscles: Avhat shape can they not agsume? what service can they not per- form? 10 OF THE STRUCTURE OF The Thighs and Legs are like substantial and state- ly columns; articulated in such a manner, that they ad- minister, most commodiously to the act of walking, yet obstruct not the easy posture of sitting. The legs sAvell out, towards the top, with a gentle projection ; and are wrought ofl> towards the bottom, with neat diminutions. Which variation lessens their bulk, at the same time that it encreases their beauty. The Feet compose the firmest and neatest pedestal; infinitely beyond all that statuary or architecture can ac- complish ; capable of altering its form, and extending its size, as different circumstances require. Besides performing the office of a pedestal, they contain a set of the neatest springs ; Avhich help to place the body in a variety of graceful attitudes, and qualify it for a multi- plicity of advantageous motions. The undermost part of the heel, and the extremity of the sole, are shod with a tough, insensible, sinewy substance. This we may call .a natural sandal. It never Avears out, never Avants repair, and always prevents that undue compression of • the vessels, which the weight of: the body, in Avalking ' or standing, might otherwise occasion. While many animals creep on the ground, while all of them are prone in their posture or their aspect, the attitude of man is erect. Which is by far the most graceful, has an air of dignity, and bespeaks superiori- ty. It is by far the most commodious; fits us for the prosecution of every grand scheme, and facilitates the success of all our extensive designs. It is likewise at- tended with the greatest safety; being, if not less than any other position, exposed to dangers, yet more hap- pily contrived to repel or avoid them. The Cartilages approach much to the nature of bones, but are smooth, and elastic. In them there is no sen- sible cavity, for containing inarroAv, nor are they covered with any membrane to render them sensible as the bones are. They serve to make the bones, Avhose extremities they cover, move freely in their joints. They also con- tribute, in a great measure, to the formation of several parts, as the wind-pipe, nose, ears, and {jreast. THE HUMAN MACHINE. 17 The Ligaments are tough, compact substances, more flexible than cartilages. They have no conspicuous ca- vities, neither have they any sense, lest they should suf fer upon the motion of the joint. They serve to unite the several limbs, and prevent their parting from each other, as happen in dislocations. The Muscles are distinct portions of soft, red flesh, with strong tendinous heads and tails for insertion.— They are composed of the slenderest fibres, yet indued Avith incredible strength; fashioned after a \Tariety of patterns, but all in the highest taste for elegance, conve- niency, and usefulness. These Avith their tendons an- nexed, constitute the instruments of motion. The for- mer contracting their substance, operate somewhat like the pulley in mechanics. The latter resembling the cord, are fastened to a bone, or some partition of flesh; and fol- lowing the muscular contraction, actuate the part into Avhich they are inserted. This, and all their functions, they execute, not • like a sluggish beast of burden, but quick as the lightening. Nature having inserted a nerve or more in each muscle,, sets them at work; diffuses the power of sensation through the body; or, returning upon an impression from without, gives all needful in- telligence to the soul: so that flesh and nerves are the principal constituents of a muscle. Inwardly they sup- ply the several movements of the active machine: Out- wardly, they render its appearance plump, Avell propor- rioned, and graceful. The strength of the muscles is astonishing in all per- sons, but especially in cases of phrenzy, and in certain extraordinary characters, who, by the use of a few mus- cles only, will easily raise a weight much greater than that of their OAvn bodies. The Tendons, although much smaller than the bo- dy of the muscle, are composed of the same number of fibres. They are not capable of contraction, but serve like ropes to pull when the fleshy fibres act, for the com- modiousness and firmness of insertion, and for the di- rection of motion. o 18 OF THE STRUCTURE The use of the tendons is to avoid a larger quantity of flesh near the joint, to prevent clumsiness in particu- lar places, and for the better admitting of that friction, which, in less Compact parts, would have been injuri- ous. The Nerves are surprisingly minute, white cords de- rived from the brain, running to every part of the body. They perform two distinct offices ; the one is, convey- ing sensation from all parts of the body to the brain.— Whatever impression, is made, whether of an agreea- ble or disagreeable nature, on any part of the body, im- mediate intelligence of it is conveyed by those faithful centinels to the seat of reason. The other offices, per- ' formed by the nerves, is carrying the commands of the Avill from that seat to all the different parts of the body; in consequence of which the limbs and body are moved, in a great variety of directions, as the will'ordains. For, most of the muscles of the body which produce motion, are in the guidance of our will, some'of them, however, are entirely independent of it, as those of the heart, and vessels Avhich cany on the circulation of the blood; and some are partly under the direction of our will, and partly independent of it, as those of respiration. But all the muscles, the involuntary, as Avell as the voluntary, are enabled to act only by their communica- tion with the brain; for when that is cut off by the dis traction of the connecting nerve, whatever impression is made on the part can no longer he felt; the orders of the will to that part can no longer be obeyed, and the part itself can no longer move. The Arteries are strong elastic tubes Avhich arise from the heart; and thence striking out, as they go, in- to numberless smaller canals or branches, distribute the blood to every part of the body. These being wide at their origin, and lessening as they branch themselves, check the rapid motion of the blood. To sustain this shock, they are indued Avith uncommon strength; by performing this service they oblige the crimson current to pass into the narrowest defiles, and distribute itself OF THE HUMAN MACHINE. 19 into all quarters. The blood thrown from the heart, di- lates the arteries, and their own elastic force contracts them. By which means, they vibrate in proper places, very perceivably against the finger; bring advices ot the utmost importance to the physician ; and very much assist him both in discovering the nature of diseases, and prescibing for their respective cures. The larger arteries, Avherever the body is formed for bending, are situated on the bending side; lest, being stretched to an improper length by the inflection, their dimensions should be lessened, and the circulating fluid retarded. They are not, like several of the considerable veins, laid so near the surface as to be protrusive of the skin ; but are deposited to a proper depth in the flesh. This situation renders them more secure from external inju- ries. The Veins are tubes or vessels which accompany the arteries, and are appointed to receive the blood from the extremities of the arteries, and reconvey it to the heart. Small at their rise, and enlarging as they advance, they are void of any pulsation. In these, the pressure of the circulating fluid is not near so forcible as in the arteries; for which reason their texture is considerably slighter. In many places they have valves, because the sIoav mo- tion of the blood in the veins, and their Aveaker contrac- tile power, unassisted by a force adequate to that of the heart, have great need of such an invention to ensure its return to the heart. The Secretory vessels are minute tubes in the differ ent organs, which serve to separate and strain off the different fluids from the general mass of blood. The Excretory vessels are those tubes which also be- long to the different organs, whose office is to carry off the humours that are separated. The Glands, commonly called Kernels, are small bo- dies of finely interAVOAen vessels, whose office it is to se- iTele or separate fluids from the blood for particular uses, no OF THE STRUCTURE as for spittle in the mouth, bile in the liver, milk in the breast &c. Glands, Avhen obstructed, become large and indurated, from which schirrus and cancers are pro- duced. The Membranes arc thin tunicles or fine webs like a bladder, appointed to enwrap the fleshy parts; to form a connection betAveen some; to line the cavities, and make a separation between others. The Fibres are simple'thread-like bodies, which serve to form other parts; hence some are very hard, as the bony ones ; and others soft, as the fleshy parts. The Skin, like a curious surtout, exactly fitted, envelopes the whole. Formed of the most delicate net- work ; whose meshes are minute and whose threads are multiplied even to a prodigy. The meshes so minute, that nothing passes them, Avhich is discernable by the eye; though they discharge every moment, myriads and myriads of superfluous incumbrances from the body.— The steam arising from the Avarm business transacted Avithin, is carried off by these real, though impercepti- ble, funnels ; which constitutes Avhat we usually call in sensible perspiration. A single grain of sand, according to Mr. Lewenhouk, will cover no less than one hundred and tAventy five thousand of these funnels, or what has been prettily styled '* cutaneous chimneys." The threads are so multiplied, that the point of the smallest needle cannot pierce any single part Avithout causing an uneasy sensation, and an effusion of blood; consequently with- out wounding, even by so small a puncture, both a nerve and a blood-vessel. The outermost covering of the body is that soft avIh tish tegument which rises in the pustule of a blister, and which is called scarf-skin. The next, or true-skin is that reddish and exquisitively tender part which appears when the blister is broken, and the dead skin taken off. The first is void of sense, and intended to screen the second, not only from the stroke of injuries, but even rrom the impressions of the air, wliich, mild as it mav OF THE HUMAN MACHINE. 2i feel to the sheathed, would be too rough and sharp for the naked nerves. The natural colour of the cuticle is white. The ap- parent black or broAvn colour in the African or Indian, is entirely owing to the mucous substance under it. The skin unites in itself three very essential functions. It is the organ of that most extensive and useful sense, the touch; it is the channel of perspiration; and, through the same most admirable organization, it absorbs the salutary particles of the surrounding atmosphere, and guards us against the influence of others, of an injurious tendency. For this purpose, innumerable nerves and vessels are dispersed throughout the skin, which are in the continual act of feeling, and at the same time, of se- creting and volatilizing noxious particles, and absorbing those which contain vital principles. It has been proved, by accurate experiments, that the healthy individual daily and insensibly perspires inwards of three pounds Aveiglit of superfluous and impure humours. It may, therefore, be confidently asserted, that no part of the body is provided with so many important organs, by wliich it is connected with almost every operation per- formed in animal life, as the skin. By this organization, We are placed in immediate connection Avith the sur- rounding atmosphere, Avhich particularly affects us through the skin, and exerts its influence on our health : We farther feel directly through that medium, the qual- ities of the air, heat, cold, pressure and rarification. Important as the skin is to external life, it is no less to the internal ceconomy of the body, where it ap- pears to be peculiarly designed to preserve the grand equilibrium of the different systems, by wliich the hu- man frame is supported in its vital, animal, and sexual functions. If any stagnation, accumulation, or irregu- larity arise in the fluids, the skin is the great and ever ready conductor, through Avhich the superfluous parti cles are separated, the noxious volatilized, and the fluids, stagnating in their course effectually attenuated : a canal being at the same time opened for the re moval of those humours, which if they could get ac 22 OF THE STRUCTURE cess to the vital parts, such as the heart and brain, would cause inevitable destruction. By the proper ex- ercise of this organ, many'diseases may be suppressed in their early stages ; and those which have already ta- ken place, may be most effectually removed. No disease whatever can be healed without the co-operation of the skin. The nature and constitution of this organ most certainly determine either our hope, or apprehension, for the safety of the patient. In the most dangerous in- flammatory diseases, when the prospect of recovery is but gloomy, a beneficial change of the skin is the only effort by Avhich nature, almost overcome, relieves heiv self, and ejects the poison in a surprising manner, fre- quently in the course of one night. The greatest art of a physician, indeed, consists in the proper management of this extensive organ, and in regulating its activity, where occasion requires. To mention only one circum- stance ; it is Avell known to those avIio have experienced the beneficial effects of a simple blister, that its stimu- lus, like a charm, has frequently relieved the most ex- cruciating pains and spasms in the internal parts. When the sensibility of the surface is impaired, when the myriads of orifices, that are designed for the contin- ual purification of our fluids, are obstructed, if not clos- ed ; when the subtle nervous texture is nearly deprived of its energy, so that it becomes an impenetrable coat of mail, is there any reason to wonder that we are so often harrassed by a sense of constraint and anxiety, and that this uneasiness, in many cases, terminates in gloom and melancholy? Ask the Hypocondriac, whether a certain degree of the cold, paleness, and spasmodic sensation in the skin, does not always precede his most violent fits of imbecility; and whether his feelings are not most comfortable, when the surface of his body is vigorous, Avarm, and perspires freely ? In short, the degrees of insensible perspiration are to him the surest barometer of his state of mind. If our skin be disorganised, the free inlets and outlets of the electric, magnetic, and other matters, which affect us at the change of the weather, are inactive. Thus the origin of extreme sensibility towards OF THE HUMAN MACHINE. 33 flie various atmospheric revolutions, is no longer a mystery; for, in a healthy surface of the body, no incon- venience Avill follow from such changes. If we farther advert to those acrimonious fluids, which, in consequence of an imperfect state of perspiration, are retained in the body, and which affect the most sensible nerves and membranes, we shall the better comprehend how cramps and spasms, the torturing pains of the gout and rheu- matism, and the great variety of cutaneous diseases. have of late become so obstinate and general. The just proportion of the fluids, and the circulation of the blood, are also determined, in no small degree, by the skin ; so that if these fluids become thick and languid, the Avhole momentum of the blood is repelled towards the interior parts. Thus a continual plethora, or ful- ness of the blood, is occasioned; the head and breast are greatly oppressed ; and the external parts, especi- ally the loAver extremities, feel chilly and languid. May Ave not infer, from what has been advanced, that tlie use of baths is too much neglected, and ought to be universally introduced ? Bathing is considered an excellent specific for allevi- ating both mental and bodily affections. It is not mere^ ly a cleanser of the skin, enlivening and rendering it more fit for performing its offices; but it also refreshes the mind, and spreads over the whole system a sensa- tion of ease, activity and pleasantness. It likewise re- moves stagnation in the larger, as Avell as in the smaller vessels, gives an uniform, free circulation to the blood. and preserves that wonderful harmony in our interior organs, on the disposition of which, our health and com- fort so much depend. A person fatigued, or distressed in body and mind, will derive more refreshment from the luxury of a luke-warm bath, and may drown his disquietude in it more effectually, than by indulging in copious libations to Bacchus. There subsists so intimate a relation between our in- terior and exterior vessels, that almost every error or irregularity in the organs within, shows itself first on the surface of the body, particularly on the face. How 24 OF THE STRUCTURE often are Ave struck Avith the countenance of a person, who thinks himself in perfect health, but whose illness, the result of some morbid cause, concealed in the body, justifies, in a few days, the serious apprehensions we entertained at our last interview ? Nature has wisely ordained, that the first appearance of internal irregulari- ties should be indicated by the countenance; but to what do Ave generally apply this index ? We refuse to avail ourselves of her beneficent intimation; and the con- tinued use of pernicious substances, instead of promot- ing the object we have in vieAv, ultimately tarnishes and impairs that beauty, which Ave meant to adorn and pre- serve. The secret venom, circling in her a iens, Works through her skin, and bursts in bloating stains : Her cheeks their freshness lose, and wonted grace, And an unusual paleness spreads her face. Granville. We imagine it in our power to improve the skin, without attending to the purity of the fluids, though it is indebted to them for its very existence ; and yet we should smile at a person, who attempted to cleanse an impure tongue, by constantly scraping it, when a disor- dered stomach Avas the real cause of that impurity. The Cellular Membrane, so called from its nume- rous cells, adheres very closely to the skin, running be- tAveen the muscles in general, and between their several fibres in particular ; and communicating with the mem branc Avhich lines the inside of the breast and belly.— All its cells communicate with each other throughout the whole body, so that from any one part the Avhole may be filled with air, as is evident in beasts by the butchers blowing up their lean meat with air when new* ly killed, and in emphysema, where the air from a bro- ken rib, getting into one of the cells, forces its way into all the rest, blowing up the body to a frightful size; as also in general dropsy, wherein all the cells, tilled with water, may, by puncture, be emptied in the course of a OF THE HUMAN MACHINE. £5 night. In health this membrane is filled with an oily substance, which gives an agreeable rotundity to the limbs. It is also the seat of biles, and contributes to keep the inner parts warm and pliant; and, by filling the interstices of the muscles, renders the surface of the body smooth and plump. The Head, that majestic dome, being the seat of the brain, in which the soul is supposed to reside, resem- bles the GeneraVs tent in an army, or the Monarch's palace in a city. It has a communication established with all, even the most remote parts of the system, has outlets and avenues, for the ready dispatch of couriers to all quarters; and for the reception of speedy intelli- gence on every interesting occasion. It is furnished with lodgements wherein to post sentinels of various charac- ters, and appoint for various offices—to expedite their operations ; whether they are employed in reconnoiter- ing what passes without, or examining what claims ad- mittance within ; the whole turns upon a curious pivot, most nicely contrived to afford the largest and freest circumvolutions. This stately capitol is screened from heat 5 defended from cold : and, at the same time, very much beautified by a copious growth of hair. The great creator, profusely gracious to mankind, has made us an inestimable present of the senses : to be the inlets of innumerable pleasures, and the means of ad- ministering the most valuable advantages. High in the head, bright and conspicuous as a star in the brow of evening, is placed the eye. In this elevated situation, like a sentinel posted in his watch tower, it commands the most enlarged prospect. Consisting only of simple fluids, enclosed in thin tunicles, it conveys to our appre- hension all the graces of blooming nature, and all the glories of the visible heavens. How prodigiously won- derful ! that an image of the highest mountains, and a transcript of the most diversified landscapes, shall enter the small circlet of the pupil! How surprisingly artful! that the rays of light, like an inimitable pencil, should paint on the optic ner\res, paint in an instant of time, 26 . OF THE STRUCTURE OF paint in their truest colours and exactest lineaments, every species of external objects. The Eye is so tender, that a slight accident, scarce perceivable by some other parts of the body, Avould be very injurious to its delicate frame. It is guarded, there- fore, with the most solicitious care; with a care evi- dently proportioned to its nice texture, and exten- sive usefulness. It is intrenched deep in the head, and harracaded on every side with a strong fortification of bones. The wisdom and goodness of the Creator appear in the astonishing apparatus of muscles with which the eye is furnished to produce all the ne- cessary and convenient motions in the situation where it is placed. The eye-broAVs serve to defend this delicate organ from too strong alight ; and as the incursion of the smallest fly Avould incommode the polished surface, it is farther defended by twro substantial curtains (eye- lids) hung on a most slender cartilaginous rod ; which secure it, from floating dust and from every troublesome annoyance. In sleep, when there is no occasion to exer- cise the sense, but an absolute necessity to protect the organ, these curtains spontaneously close, and never fail to lie shut. On the inside of these curtains or eye-lids, lie glands, Avhich secrete a limpid fluid, that lubricates the eye-ball, as often as we wink, or, as it were, oils its wheels, and fits it for a course of unAvearied activity. The Ear consists of an outward porch and inner rooms, Avith tools of the most admirable contrivance, and finished workmanship. The porch is that cartilaginous substance, standing omcAvhat prominent from the head, covered Avith a tight expansion of the skin, and wrought into irregular bends and hollows : which, like circling hills, or surrounding rocky shores, collect the wander- ing undulations of the air ; and transmit them with a vigorous impulse, to the finely stretched membrane of the tympanum, or drum of the ear. The avenue, or nar- row entry, is secured from the insinuating attempts of little insects, by a morass of bitter aud viscous matter. THE HUMAN MACHINE. 27 disgustful to their taste, and embarrassing to their feet. The hammer and the anvil ; the stirrup, and the drum the winding labyrinths, and the rounding galleries; these, and other pieces of mechanism, all instrumental to the poAver of hearing, are, beyond description, curious. Amazingly nice must be the formation and inconceiv- ably exaot the tension of the auditory nerves, since they correspond Avith the smallest tremours of the atmosphere, and easily distinguish their most subtle variations. With the gentle gales that fan us, or even with the ruder blasts that assault us, these delicate strings are but little affect- ed. Whereas, they are perfect unisons Avith those fine, those significant agitations of the air, which the acutest touch is unable to discern. These living chords, tuned by an Almighty hand, and diffused through the echoing isles, and sonorous cells, these receive the impressions of sound and propagate them to the brain. These give existence to the charms of music, and reciprocate the rational entertainments of discourse. The eye perceives only the objects that are before it; whereas the ear Avarns us of transactions that pass above us, behind us, all around us. As the eye is useless amidst the gloom of night, and cannot carry its observation through the bolt- ed door or the closed Avindow-shutter. But the ear ad- mits her intelligence through the darkest medium, and the minutest cranny. Hence, when we cannot see our friend, because of an interposing partition, yet by the friendly aid of this organ, Ave can learn that he is in the adjoining room, by his voice, or that he is near, by his steps. The eye is upon duty, only in our waking hours ; but the ear is always expanded, and always acceptable ; a courier, Avhich never tires ; a sentery ever in his box. To secure a resource, in case any misfor- tune should disable one of the hearing or seeing organs, our all gracious maker has given us duplicates of each. As there are tremulous concussions impressed upon the air, discernable only by the instruments of hearing ; there are also odoriferous particles wafted by the same aerial vehicle, Avhich are perceivable only by the smell. $8 OF THE STRUCTURE Of The Nostrils are wide at the bottom, that a large quantity of effluvia may enter; narrow at the top, that, when entered, they may close their ranks, and act with greater vigour. Fine, beyond all imagination, are the streams which exhale from foetid or fragrant bodies.— The very best microscopes, Avhich discover thousands and thousands of animalcules in a drop of putrified wa- ter, cannot bring one individual among all these eva- nescent legions to our sight. They sail in numberless squadrons, close to our eyes, close by our ears ; yet are so amazingly attenuated, that they elude the search of both. Nevertheless, so judiciously are the olfactory nets laid, and so artfully their meshes siezed, that they catch these vanishing fugitives. They catch the roaming per- fumes, which fly off from the opening honey-suckle, and take in the stationed sweets, which hover round the ex- panded rose. They imbibe all the balmy fragrance of spring, all the aromatic exhalations of Autumn, and en- able us to banquet even on the invisible dainties of na fare, Furnished with these several organs,, --------:------------not a breeze Flies o'er the meadows, not a cloud imbibes The setting sun's effulgence, not a strain From all the tenants of the warbling shade tUscends, but whence our senses can partake Fresh pleasure. Akenside. Another capacity for frequent pleasure, our bountiful Preator has bestoAved, in the power of taste. By means of which the food that supports our body, feasts our par late ; first treats us with a pleasing regale ; then distri- butes its beneficial recruits. The razor, whetted with oil, becomes more exquisitely keen. The saliva, flowing upon the tongue, and moistening its nerves, quickens them into the liveliest acts of sensation. This sense is circumstanced in a manner peculiarly benign and wise ; so as to be a standing, though silent plea for temperance. THE HUMAN MACHINE. S9 The sight, the smell, the taste, are not only so many separate sources of delight, but a joint security to our health. They are the vigilant and accurate inspectors which examine our food, and inquire into its properties, whether it be pleasant or disagreeable; av holesome or jioxious. For the discharge of this office, they are ex- cellently qualified, and most commodiously situated. So that nothing can give admission through the mouth, till it has undergone the scrutiny, and obtained the passport of them all. To all these, as a most necessary and advantageous supplement, is added the sense of feeling ; which ren- ders the whole assemblage complete. While other sen- ses have a particular place of residence ; this is diffused throughout the whole body. In the palms of the hands, on the tips of the fingers, and indeed through all the ex- treme parts of the flesh, it is most quick and lively as the sentinels of an army. The whole army of Xerxes drawn out in battle array with his millions of supernu- merary attendants, were but like a few gleaners strag- gling in the field, if compared, either in number or or- der, with those nervous detachments, which pervade the texture of the skin, and minister to the act of feeling. The Crowning gift, that which improves the satisfac- tion, and augments the beneficial effects accruing from all the senses, is speech. Speech makes me a gainer from the eyes and ears of other people; from the ideas they conceive, and the observations they make. And what an admirable instrument for articulating the voice, and modifying it into speech, is the tongue! The tongue has neither bone nor joint; yet fashions itself, with the utmost volubility, into every shape and every posture, which can express sentiment, or constitute harmony.—- This little collection of muscular fibres, under the con- ducting skill of the creator, is the artificer of our words. By this we communicate the secrets of the breast, and make our very thoughts audible. By this we instruct the ignorant, and comfort the distressed; we glorify fell off, and discovered to his vieAV forms the most hideous and for- bidding imaginable. Lust, revenge, folly, murder, mea- gre poverty, and frantic despair, noAV appeared in their most od'.ous shapes, and the place instantly became the direct scene of misery and desolation. How often did Chremes Avish himself far distant from such diabolical company! and Iioav dread the fatal consequence Avhich tlireatcned him on every side! His blood ran chill to his heart; his knees smote against each other with fear, and joy and rapture were turned into astonishment and horror. When the philosopher perceived that this scene had made a sufficient impression on his guest, he thus addressed him: " Kiioav, Chremes, it is I, it is iEscu- lapius, avIio have thus entertained you; and Avhat you have here beheld is the true image of the deceitfulness and misery inseparable from luxury and intemperance. Would you be happy, be temperate. Temperance is the parent of health, virtue, Avisdom, plenty, and of every thing that can render you happy in this world, or the world to come. It is, indeed, the true luxury of life ; for, Avithout it, life cannot be enjoyed." This said, he disappeared ; and Chremes, awaking, and in- structed by the vision, altered his course of life, became frugal, temperate, industrious; and by that means so mended his health and estate, that he lived without pain, to a very old age, and Avas esteemed one of the richest, best, and wisest men in Greece. Such is the beautiful moral drawn by the pen of ele- gant and instructive fiction; Avith which, if there be any mind so insensible as^ not to be properly affected, let us only turn to that striking reality presented to us in the case ef Lewis Coi*naro. This gentleman Avas a Vene- tian of noble extraction, and memorable for having lived to an extreme old age; for he was above a hundred OF PRESERVING HEALTH. . 81 years old at the time of his death, which happened at Padua, in the year 1565. Amongst other little perform- ances, he left behind him a piece entitled, " Of the ad- vantages of a Temperate Life." of which we will here give our readers some account; not only because it will very well illustrate the life and character of the author, but may possible be of use to those who take the sum- mum bonum, or chief good of life, to consist in good eating. He was moved, it seems, to compose this little piece at the request and for the benefit of some ingeni- ous young men, for whom he had a regard; and who, having long since lo§t their parents, and seeing him? then eiglity-one years old, in a fine, florid state of health, were desirous to know of him what it was that enabled him t» preserve, as he did, a sound mind in a sound bo- dy, tdso extreme an age. He describes to them, there- fore, his whole manner of living, and the regimen he had always pursued, and was then pursuing. He tells them that, When heAvas young, he was very intemperate; that his intemperance had brought upon him many and griev- ous disorders ; that, from the thirty-fifth to the fortieth year of his age, he spent his nights and days in the ut- most anxiety and pain; and that, in short, his life was grown a burden to him. The physicians, hoAvever, as he relates, notAvithstanding all the vain and fruitless ef- forts which they had made to restore his health, told him that there Avas one method still remaining, which had never been tried, but which, if they could but pre- vail with him to use Avith perseverance, might free him, in time, from all his complaints; and that was, a tem- perate and regular way of living. TJiey added, more- over, that, unless he resolved to apply instantly to it, his case would soon become desperate, and there would be no hopes at all of his recovery. Upon this, he immedi- ately prepared himself for his new regimen; and now began to eat and drinlt nothing but what was proper for one in his weak habit of body: but this was at tirst very disagreeable to him. He often wanted to live again in his old manner; and did, indeed, indulge him- self in a freedom of diet, sometimes, without the know- M 82 ON HVGEINE, OR THE ART ledge of his physician; but, as he informs us, much to his OAvn detriment and uneasiness. Driven, in the mean time, by the necessity of the thing, and resolutely ex- erting all the powers of his understanding, he at last grew c0nfirmed in a settled and uninterrupted course of tempe- rance ; by virtue of which, as he assures us, all his dis- orders had left him in less than a year : and he had been a firm and healthy man, from thenceforward, till the time in which he wrote his treaties. Some sensualists, as it appears, had objected to his abstemious manner of living; and, in" order to evince the reasonableness of their oAvn, had urged that it was not worth while to mortify one's appetites at such a rate for the sake of being old, since all that was life, after the age of sixty-five, could not properly be called a liv- ing life, but a dead life. "Noav," says he, "to shoAv these gentlemen how much they are mistaken, I will briefly run over the satisfactions and pleasures Avhich I myself enjoy, in this eighty-third year of my age In the first place, I am always Avell; and so ac- tive, withal, that I can, with ease, mount a horse upon a flat, or walk upon the tops of very high mountains. In the next place, I am ahvays cheerful, pleasant, per- fectly contented, and free from all perturbation, and every uneasy thought. I have none of that fastidium vitue, that saitety of life, so often to be met with in per- sons of my age. I take a view of palaces, gardens, an- tiquities, public buildings, temples, fortifications, and endeavor to let nothing escape me which may afford the least amusement to a rational mind. Nor are these plea- sures at all blunted by the usual imperfections of great age ; for I enjoy all my senses in perfect vigour; my taste especially, in so high a degree, that I have a better re- lish for the plainest foodnoAv, than I had for the choicest delicacies formerly, when immersed in a life of lux- ury." As a principal rule of diet Ave ought to take food with an easy and serene mind and to eat slowly. The stomach suf- fering in this case a very gradual distention, as the food has sufficient time to be duly prepared by mastication. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 83 To eat of one dish only seems most conformable to na- ture, and is doubtless the means of procuring the most healthy fluids. The diet ought not only to be such as is best adapted to the constitution, but likeAvise to be taken at regular periods ; for long fasting is hurtful at any stage of life. All great and sudden changes of diet are universally dangerous, particularly from a rich and full diet to a Ioav and sparing one. When therefore a change be- comes necessary it ought always to be made by de» grees. When a person has suffered so much from extreme hunger, much food must not be given him at once. By full feeding, thousands long starved at sea, have been destroyed at once. Such persons should be sup- plied with liquid food, and that sparingly. As soon as the food has entered the stomach, the im- portant office of digestion begins. The vigour of the organs exerted on this occasion, ought certainly not to be abridged by violent exercise ; but muscular and ro- bust people feel no inconvenience from gentle motion about one hour after the heaviest meal. But as the whole process of digestion is of much longer duration than is generally imagined, the afternoon hours cannot be employed so advantageously to health, in any labour requiring strong exertions. In violent exercise, or an increasad state of perspira- tion, the fluids are propelled to the external parts, and withdrawn from the stomach, where they are indispen- sable to assist the proper concoction. Exclusive of the quantity and quality of food, great attention is due to the kind of it in particular constitu- tions. Animal food in general is more nourishing than vegetable, and when fresh, is likewise more easy of di- gestion. On this account, it generally agrees best Avith delicate and weak constitutions. But the flesh of young animals with a proportionate quantity of well boiled and wholesome vegetables, is the diet best adapted to our system. In summer it is advisable to increase the proportion of vegetable food, 84 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART and to make use of acids, such as vinegar, lemons, oran- ges, and the like. With regard to our food, how- ever, in quantity and quality, it should be properly proportioned to our exercise. The labourer, who is perpetually toiling from morning till night, could not subsist on food appropriated to those who pursue not the severer exercises of the body; his diet must be of the coarser kind, such as salted meats or fish, cheese, corn-bread, potatoes, onions and peas; and these in pretty large quantities. On the whole, it will be found to be safest both in health and sickness to regulate our diet with simplicity, ever bearing in mind that a preference is to be given to such articles, as our personal knowledge has demonstra- ted to be the most congenial to our constitutions and habits. Nature has appointed milk for the food of children; because on account of their growth, they require much nourishment. From this circumstance, we may also conclude, that milk is easily digested by healthy sto- machs, since at the early age of children the digestic poAvers are but feeble ; and hence it is of service to per- sons enfeebled by dissipation or disease. Yet milk is not a proper food for the debilitated in all cases; nay under circumstances, it may even be hurtful. It does not, for instance, agree with hypocondriacs ; as it occa- sions cramp of the stomach, heart-burn, colic, or diarr- hoea. Febrile patients, whose weak organs of diges- tion do not admit of nutrious food, and whose preter- natural heat would too easily change the milk into a rancid mass, must abstain from it altogether. With these exceptions, milk is an excellent species 6f diet, generally of easy digestion; insomuch, that per- sons much reduced in bodily vigour, have been cured by eating milk only* Butter-milk, when new and swtfctj is cooling and r«- freshing; as also is bonny-clabber. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 85 Cheese, being made of the tough parts of milk, is dif- ficult of digestion ; and should be used with caution, ex- cept by the hearty and laborious. Eggs, when fresh, and soft boiled, are as wholesome as they are delicious; but when hard boiled, they are indigestible; and when corrupt, or tainted, have occa- sioned violent purging and vomiting, and putrid fe- vers. Fish, in general are less nourishing than other animal food, though they are not difficult of digestion while in a fresh state. Salt water fish are perhaps the best of any, as their flesh is more solid, more agreeable, and healthy, less exposed to putrescency, and less viscid. Fresh water fish should lie in strong salt and Avater, an hour or two before they are dressed; otherwise the mud flavour that is in them, is very apt to nauseate weak sto- machs. Crabs and lobsters, when quite fresh, are excellent food, but if tainted, they are no better than poison. The inhabitants of inland towns cannot be too cautious in their use of them. Oysters, when raw are easily digested, and may be eaten with great advantage even by the weak and con- sumptive. If eaten in any quantity, they produce lax- ative effects ; hence they afford an excellent supper to those liable to costiveness. Poultry, as chickens and turkeys, furnishes a most valuable aliment. Venison, and every variety of game, form a light and wholesome food, and extremely useful to delicate sto- machs. Beef, pork, and bacon yield a copious and permanent nourishment; and when taken in moderate quantities, agree Avell with all stomachs and constitutions. Sausages are a substantial kind of nourishment; but require strong stomachs to digest them. The same may 86 ON HYGIENE, OR THE ART be said of blood-sausages, usually called black pud- dings. Bread, which is called the staff of life, is very proper- ly eaten with animal food, to correct the disposition to putrescency: but is most expedient with such articles in diet, as contain much nourishment in a small bulk, be- cause it then serves to give the stomach a proper de- gree of expansion. To render bread easy of digestion, it ought to be well fermented. To persons troubled with flatulency and indigestion, all pastry Avhatever is unwholesome, frequently producing dangerous colics, and incurable obstructions. Fruit, in general, possesses strongly revolvent poAv- ers, and is the more beneficial as it comes to the matu- rity at a time when the body is relaxed by the heat of summer; and when the blood has a strong tendency to inflammation. It is besides of great service in attenuat- ing the thick bilious impurities collected during the sum- mer, and of evacuating them by its laxative virtues.— The acid contained in most kinds of fruit is as useful to quench thirst, as to resist putrefaction. In weak sto- machs, hoAvever, or such as are filled with impurities, and slime, it is apt to ferment, and occasion some in- convenience ; but this may be avoided by a temperate use. It is most Avholesome, Avhen eaten on an empty stomach, which can exert all its power to expel the air disengaged from it, and to remove it, before it begins to ferment. Boiling, as well as drying, corrects the flatu- lent tendency of fresh fruit; so that thus prepared, it will agree with almost all stomachs. By either of these methods it is deprived of its superfluous humidity, as well as of its fixed air; Avhence it becomes more nour* ishing, but less cooling than in the fresh state. In our aliment, an essential part is drink, the use of Avhich is indispensable to the digestion of food. Water, as the basis of the most of our drinks, should be carefully obtained in its highest purity. Passing, for the most part, through subterraneous chaunels, it is of- OF PRESERVING HEALTH. S7 ten impregnated with metals or minerals of a nature in- jurious to the constitution; and such impregnation may be known by the sensible qualities of the water. The best Avater is that Avhich is pure, light, and without any particular colour, taste or smell. Where water cannot be obtained pure from springs, wells, rivers, or lakes, care should be taken to deprive it of its pernicious qual- ities by boiling and filtering; but most effectually by distillation. Any putrid substances in the water may be corrected by the addition of an acid. Thus half an ounce of alum, in poAvder, will make twelve gallons of cor- rupted water pure and transparent in tAvo hours, with- out imparting a sensible degree of astringency. Charcoal poAvder has also been found of great efficacy in check- ing the putrid tendency of water. To the same pur- pose vinegar, and other strong acids, are Avell adapted. Whatever kind of drink is used, it ought to be taken always in a moderate quantity. Too much drink, even of water, innocent as it is, tends to oppress and weaken the stomach, of course to generate acidities and flatu lcnce. Some advises us never to drink Avithout eating some- thing ; but he who drinks only when nature requires it, has no occasion to eat every time he drinks. Persons, on the contrary, who are once accustomed to drink more than is necessary, or to make use of hot, stimulating, and intoxicating liquors, would do Avell always to eat some bread, or other solid food, along with them. An undue proportion of drink, renders the mass of blood too thin and watery, and occasions a general de- bility of the body. On the other hand, too little drink renders the blood thick and viscid, and weakens the digestive powers. Light and well fermented beer is a wholesome, and at the same time, diluent species of nourishment. With persons already plethoric, the lightest beer generally agrees best. Thick and nourish- ing beer is of service to wet nurses, and the debilitated. Sweet beers are only nourishing, but the bitter kinds are strengthening also. The latter are beneficial in a Aveak state of digestion, and to people troubled with 88 ON HYGEIXE, OR THE ART acid in the stomach; yet sweet beer is more wholesome for daily use, and at the same time less exposed to dan- gerous adulterations. Cider, when properly fermented, and pure, is also a pleasant and wholesome liquor. On the contrary, when it is neAV or tart, Ave cannot recommend it as a salubri- ous beverage. Wine, when pure, and used in moderation, certainly conduces to health, especially in Aveak and languid ha- bits. See Vine. Mat. Med. Ardent Spirits, when properly diluted, is likeAvise an excellent beverage and antiseptic. These liquors are of considerable service in preventing the bad effects of a moist and cold atmosphere, pestilential vapours, damp military camps, unclean occupations, and occasionally too, of a temporary abstinence from food. But as the infusion of too great a quantity of oil im- mediately extinguishes the lamp: the light of reason and the lamp of life itself are frequently suffocated, and put out for ever by an imprudent use of either wine or spirits. It was a usual custom amongst the Romans to drink down the evening, and to drink up the morning star : and another of their common practices was, to drink so many cups and healths, as there Avere letters in the names of their mistresses : Six cups to JSTwvia's health, seven to Justina be To Lycas five, to Lyde four, and then to Ida three. Martial. A young officer meeting with several of his old ac- quaintances and being induced by them to follow the example of the Romans, in this respect Avas so over- come by Avhat he drank, that he laid himself down to sleep, upon a bench, which was near to an open case- ment ; tiiere Avas his face beat upon all the night long, by a thick shoav that had fallen. In the morning lie had a strange writhing in his mouth; his right cheek, OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 89 which lay nearest to the windoAV, was fixed, nor Avas he able to move the eye-brow, or any of the muscles on that side of the face, in consequence of a partial stroke of the palsy. Some riotous Students, at a famous University, were entertained by Mr. R. a Bachelor, at his chamber, who intending to treat them to the heighth of intemperance, had so gorged himself with toddy and Avine that he was fast asleep at the table he set by; in Avhich posture his associates left him. A candle stood upon the table near him; and in his sleep he had turned himself so incon- veniently, that it burnt his breast, and the parts about it, in such a manner, that his entrails might be seen, which yet was not perceived by him that was buried in wine. In the morning he was called on and aAvakened by his fellow, toss-pots, and invited by them to take a glass of mint cordial, when he complained of insuffera- ble torments. The most skillful Physicians, Avere immediately sent for; but in vain did they endeavour to oppose so great a burning; so that, in horrid torments, upon the third day following he concluded his miserable life; having first warned his companions, with tears, to beware of intemperance. Tea is considered by some as being highly injurious, while others have either asserted its innocence, or even ascribed to it extraordinary virtues. When taken in a large quantity, or very strong, and at a late hour, it of- ten produces Avatchfulness; but if used in moderation, it greatly relieves an oppressed stomach, and pains of the head. It ought however, to be made of a moderate strength, othenrise it certainly effects the nerves. Hy- pocondriac and hysteric people are much deceived in their opinions of the efficacy of tea; for all the evils arising from weak stomachs and flatulency, of which they com- plain, are certainly increased by tea, especially if taken in large quantities, and strong. The cold stomach which they propose to Avarm by it, is a mere phantom of the brain ; for this sensation of cold, is nothing but relaxa- tion, which, instead of being removed by hot liquors, is assuredly increased by them. N 90 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART Coffee promotes digestion, and exhilirates the animal spirits ; but an excessive use of it, like tea, affects the nerves, occasions Avatchfulness, and trembling of the hands. As possessing excellent antispasmodic virtues, it is a favourite beverage Avith the hypocondraic and hys- teric. Chocolate is nutritious and Avholesome, if taken in small quantity; but to the corpulent and weak, particularly those with whom a vegetable diet disagrees, it is gene rally hurtful. OF EXERCISE. ., By health the peasant's toll Is well repaid ; if exercise were pain Indeed, and temperance pain. By arts like these Laconia nursed of old her hardy sons ; And Rome's unconqured legidns urged their way, Unhurt, through every toil in every clime. Toil and be strong. By toil the floccid nerves Grow firm, and gain a more compacted tone f The gruner juices are by toil subdu'd, Mellowed, and subtilis'd; thevapidold Expell'd, and all the rancour of the blood. Begin with gentle toils, and, as your nerves, Grow firm, to hardier by just steps aspire. The prudent, even in every modorate walk, At first but saunter ; and by slow degrees Increase their pace. This doctrine of the wise, AVell knows the master of the flying steed. Armsthon-g. It was a common saying among the ancients, that acute diseases are from heaven, and chronic from our- selves. To die, says Dr. Johnson, is the fate of man; but to die with lingering anguish, is generally his OAvn folly. Inactivity never fails to induce an universal re- laxation of the contractile fibres. When these fibres are relaxed, neither the digestion, the circulation, nor the perislaltic motion can be duly performed. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 91 It is absolutely impossible to enjoy health where the perspiration also is not duly earned on; and that can never be the case, where exercise is neglected. The necessity of action is hot only demonstrable front the fabric of the body, but evident from the observation of the universal practice of mankind, who, for the preservation of health in those Avhose rank or Vealth exempts them from the necessity of labour, have inven- ted sports and diversions, though not of equal use to the world with agricultural employments, yet of equal fatigue to those who practice them, and differing only from the drudgery of the husbandman, as they are acts of choice, and therefore performed without the painful sensation of compulsion. But such is the constitution of man, that labour may be styled its own reward, nor will any external excite- ments be requisite, if it be considered how much happi- ness is gained, and how much misery escaped, by fre- quent, and violent agitation of the body. " Love labour," cried a Philosopher, " if you do not want it for food, you may for physic." The idle man is more perplexed what to do, than the industrious in do- ing what he ought. Action keeps the soul in constant health; but idleness corrupts and rusts the mind. A gentleman was under close confinement in the Bas- tile seven years,, during which he amused himself in scattering a few small pins about his chamber, gather- ing them up again, and placing them in different figures on the arm of a great chair. He often told his friends', afterwards, that unless he had found out this piece of exercise, he verily believed he should have lost his sen- ses. " Pray, of what did your brother die" ? said the Marquis Spinola, one day, to Sir Horace Vere. " He died, Sir" replied he, " of having nothing to do."--r " Alas ! Sir," said Spinola, that is enough to kill any general of us all. Indolence often originates from a mistaken education, in which pleasure or flattery is made the immediate mo- 9S ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART five of action, and not future advantage; or what is ter- med duty. -This observation is of great value to those, who attend to the education of their own children.—l have seen (says Dr. Darwin) one or two young married ladies, of fortune, who perpetually became uneasy, and believed themselves ill, a week after their arrival m the country, and continued so uniformly during their stay ; vet on their return to London or Bath, immediately lost all their complaints ; and this repeatedly; which 1 vvas bid to ascribe to their being in their infancy surrounded with menial attendants, who had flattered them into the exertions they then used. And that in their riper years, they became torpid for want of this stimulus, and could not amuse themselves by any voluntary employment; but required ever after either to be amused by other people, or to be flattered into activity. Dr. Johnson, says, " whenever chance brings within my observation a knot of young ladies, busy at their needles, I consider myself as in the school of virtue; and though I have no extraordinary skill in plain work or embroidery, I look upon their operations Avith as much satisfaction as their governess, because I regard them as providing a security against the most danger- ous insnarers of the soul, by enabling themselves to ex- clude idleness from their solitary moments, and with idleness attendent train of passions, fancies, chimeras, fears, sorroAvs, and desires. If sedentary employments are intermixed with a due quantity of exercise, they will never injure health. Weak fibres are the constant companions of inactivi- ty. Nothing but daily exercise in the open air can brace and strengthen the powers of the stomach, and prevent an endless train of diseases, Avhich proceed from a relaxecl state of that organ. We seldom hear the ac- tive and laborious complain of what are called nervous diseases; these are reserved for the sons of idleness.— Many have been completely cured of these disorders by being reduced,, from a state of opulence, to labour for their daily bread, This plainly points out the sources OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 93 whence nervous diseases Aoav, and the means by which they may be prevented. -----------------Weariness Can snore upon the flint; when resty sloth Finds the downy pillow hard. The shades descend, andftnidnight o'er the world Expands her sable wings. Great nature drops Through all her works. How happy he Avhose toil Has o'er his languid powerless limbs diffused A pleasing lassitude. He not in vain . Invokes the gentle deity of dreams. By toil subdued, the warrior and the hind Sleep fast and deep.—Their active functions soon With generous streams their subtle tubes supply Ere morn, the tonic irritable nerves Feel the fresh impulse, and aAvake the soul. Armstrong. Independent of the blessing of health by exercise, " the hand of the diligent," as justly observed by Dr. Dodd, " niaketh rich; but the soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing." A gentleman states that as he Avas sitting with some friends before the door of the Capitol, a beg- gar presented himself, who with sighs and tears, and lamentable gestures, expressed his miserable poverty, saying withal, that " he had about him a private disor- der, which shame prevented him from discovering to the eyes of men." They pitying the case of the poor man, gave him each of them something, and he departed: one amongst them sent his servant after him, to enquire what his private infirmity might be, which he was so loth to discover ? The servant overtook him and desir- ed that satisfaction ; and having diligently viewed his face, breast, arms, &c. and finding all his limbs in good plight, " I see nothing," said he, whereof you have any 94 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART such reason to complain. Alas ! said the beggar, "the dis- ease that afflicts me, is far different from what you conceive of, and is such as you cannot see; it is an evil that has crept over my whole body, it is passed through the ve- ry veins and marroAV of me, in such a manner, that there is no one member of my hody, that is able to take pro- per exercise or do any Avork; this disease by some is called idleness." The secant hearing this, left him in anger, and returned with this account of him ; Avhich after they had Avell laughed at, they sent to make fur- ther inquiry after this beggar, but he had withdrawn himself. To show the absolute necessity of exercise in cold climates, Ave cannot omit relating the botanical excur- sion of Sir Joseph Banks, Dr. Solander, and others, on the heights of Ter-ra-del Fuego. Dr. Solander, who had more than once crossed the mountains which divide Sweden from Nonvay, well kneAv that extreme cold produced a torpor and sleepiness almost irresistible ; he therefore conjured the company to keep ahvays in mo- tion, whatever pain it might cost them, and Avhatever relief they might be promised by rest: « Whoever sits down" says he, " will sleep" ; vas still more astonished at the quantity of vestments that Avere bundled there. He went among his fellows of the convent, and inquired how they came to be placed there; and learning the manner from them, nothing could exceed his penitence and contrition. His last and greatest project was considered of a still more heinous nature. A lady who had long been a benefactor to the convent happening to die, was de- sirous of being buried in the cloister, in a vault which she had made for that purpose. It Avas there that she Avas laid, adorned Avith much finery, and a part%of her own jewels, of Avhich she had a great abundance. The 108 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART solemnity attending her funeral was magnificent, the ex- penses great, and the sermon affecting. In all this pomp of grief, none seemed more affected than Cyrillo, or set an example of sincerer mortification. The sbciety con- sidered the deposition of 4beir benefactress among them as a very great honor, and masses in abundance were promised for her safety. But what was the amazement of the whole convent the next day? when they found the vault in which she Avas deposited broke open, the body mangled; her fingers, on which were some rings, cut off; and alljher finery carried away! every person in the convent was shocked at such bar- barity, and Cyrillo was one of the foremost in condemn- ing the sacrilege. HoAvever, shortly after, on going to his cell, having occasion to examine under the mattress, he there found that he alone Avas the guiltless plun- derer. The convent was soon made acquainted with his misfortune; and, at the general request of the fra- ternity, he Avas removed to another monastery, where the prior had a power, by right, of confining his con- venticals. Thus debarred from doing mischief, Cyrillo led the remainder of his life in piety and peace. The Feather-beds, in which we usually sleep, are certainly not as healthy as matrasses in summer. But as many individuals have not sufficient resolu- tion to use these, they ought to be particular in having their feather-beds frequently shaken, and aired. Farther, it is highly improper to sleep in beds overloaded with clothes ; they heat the blood more than is consistent with health, and produce an immoderate and enervat- ing perspiration, Avhich still more Aveakens the organs already relaxed by sleep. The custom of sleeping with the curtains drawn close, is pernicious to health, because the copious exhalations, Avhich then take place, cannot be properly dissipated, and are consequently re-absor- bed. It is also very imprudent to cover the head Avith the bed-clothes. The old and abominable custom of warming the bed, likeAvise deserves to be condemned ; as it has a direct tendency to produce debility. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 1Q9 A spacious and lofty room, should always be chosen if practicable for a bed-chamber, and attention paid to the admission of fresh air, even during the night, in warm weather: Lastly, no candle or fire should be kept burning during the night in a bed-room. OF EVACUATIONS. By subtile fluids pour'd thro' subtle tubes The natural, vital, functions are perform'd j By these the stubborn aliments are tam'd, The toiling heart distributes life and strength ; These theslill crumbling frame rebuild :— Armstrong. The evacuations of the body, from its superfluous, impure, and noxious particles, are no less necessary than its nourishment. The same poAver which changes and assimilates our food and drink, likewise effects the due and timely evacuation of the secretions. It is an object of the first consequence, that nothing remain in the body, which ought to be evacuated ; and that no- thing be ejected, which may be of use to its preserva- tion. How many persons do we find, who complain of bad health, notwithstanding every attention they pay to the air, aliment, exercise, and sleep; while others enjoy a good state of health, though totally careless with regard to these particulars, and all owing to indiffer- ence in the state of the evacuations. If these be disor- dered, the most rigorous observance of dietitic rules is insufficient to insure our health; while, on the contrary, most of those rules may be neglected, for some time, Avithout any injurious consequences, if the evacuations be regular. Nature removes not only noxious matter, or such as in a state of corruption, but likeAvise the useful fluids, if they become superabundant; for in- stance, the milk, semen, and blood. In such cases, there fore, these must be considered as objects of evacuation, equally natural and salutary. 110 Or if she rules him, never shoAvs she rules ; Charms by accepting, by submitting sways, Yet has her humour most, when she obeys. Pope. How delightful that sentiment, which, even in advan- ced life, inspires a passion perhaps more profound than it excites even in youth ; a passion Avhich collects into the soul all that time has robbed from the senses, and stripping life, in its last stages, of all gloom, unso- ciability, and indifference, secures us the happiness of US ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART meeting death in those arms which sustained our youtfy and entwined us in the ardent embraces of love. ^ O the sweet powerful influences of love! It is this that unites the interests as well as the hearts of lovers, and gives to each the joys and felicities of the other. And it is this which induces the delicate lady to forget better days, and to smile in poverty, and toil with the husband whom she loves. What charm then un- der Heaven can excell this noble passion ? No plea- sures are comparable to those that effect the heart, and there are none that effect it with such exquisite delight, as loving and being beloved by a worthy subject. Ask the husband who is blest with an amiable wife, and he will tell you that the most delicious feeling his heart ever experienced were those of virtuous love. Go gentle gales and bear my sighs along! The birds shall cease to tune their evening song; The winds to breathe, the waving woods to move, And streams to murmur, e're I cease to love. Pope. Love is a vice only in vicious hearts. Fire, though the purest of all substances, will yet emit unwholesome and noxious vapours when it is fed by tainted matter; so love, if it grows in a vicious mind, produces nothing but shameful desires and criminal designs, and is followed with pain vexation and misery. But let it rise in an upright heart, and be kindled by an object adorned with virtue, it is safe from censure. Sweet is the breath of morn her rising sweet, With charm of earliest birds; pleasant the sun When first on this delightful land he spreads His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit and flow'r, Glist'ning Avith dew; fragrant the fertile earth After soft showers; and sweet the coming on Of grateful evening mild : then silent night With this her solemn bird; and this fair morn, And these the gems of heav'n her starry train OF PRESERVING HEALTH. H# But neither breath of morn, when she ascends With charm of earliest birds; nor herb, fruit, fiow'r Glist'ning with due ; nor fragrance after show'rs Nor grateful evening mild ; nor silent night With this her solemn bird; nor Avalk by moon Or glittering star-light, without thee is sweet. Milton. In propitious love, the heart beats with joy; viva- city cheers the countenance, the eye is brilliant, society is courted, and all the benevolent affections are indulged. But disappointed love, on the other hand, is extremely detrimental. It depresses the spirits, enfeebles diges- tion, takes away the appetite, banishes sleep, and not unfrequently produces insanity. History affords many instances of mental derangement from disappointed love. The following affecting cases deserve to be men- tioned. A German lady of great beauty and accomplishments, having married a Hessian Officer, who was ordered to America, and not being able to acquire any tidings of him in her own country, came over to England. Here, she could only learn the destiny of her husband from those ships which had either transported troops to the continent, or were bringing back the wounded. Day af- ter day she wondered on the beach at Portsmouth, and hour after hour she wearied her eyes, bedewed with tears, in the vain expectation of seeing him. She was observed, at the same spot ere it was light, and watch- ed each motion of the Avaves, until the sitting sun.'— Then her haunted imagination presented him man- gled with wounds, and the smallest gust of wind seem- ed to threaten her Avith an eternal separation. After eight months spent in this anxious manner, she receiv- ed the melancholy pleasure, that a vessel bringing some wounded Hessian Officers was arrived. She kept at some distance, for fear of giving too great a shock to her husbands' feelings, should he be among them. He was landed with others : she followed to the tavern.— When she entered the room, he burst into a flood of l£0 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART tears. A lady Avas supporting him in her arms. What words or painter could represent the tragedy that fol- lowed ? He had married in America, and this person was also his wife. He entreated for " pardon"—was past reproach, for in a few minutes after he sunk into the arms of death. The lady, whose melancholy his- tory we are recording, rushed from the room, and leav- ing her clothes and money at her lodging, she wander- ed, she knew not whither, vowing " that she would ne- ver enter house more, or trust man." She stopped at last near Bristol, and begged the refreshment of a little milk. There was something so attractive in her Avhole appearance, as soon produced her Avhatever she reques- ted. She was young, and extremely beautiful; her manners graceful and*elegant, and her countenance in- teresting to the last degree. She Avas alone, a stranger, and in extreme distress; she asked only for a little milk, but uttered no complaint, and used no art to ex- cite compassion. Her dress and accent bore visible marks that she was a foreigner of superior birth. All the day she was seen wandering in search of a place to lay her wretched head; she scooped toAvards night a lodging for herself in an old hay stack. Multitudes soon fiocked around her, in this new habitation, attract- ed by the novelty of the circumstance, her singular beauty, but above all, the suddenness of her arrival.— French and Italian were spoken to her, but she appear- ed not to understand these languages; however, when she was accosted in German, she evidently appeared confused; the emotion was too great to be suppressed, she uttered some faint exclamations in our tongue, and then, as if hurried into an imprudence, she attempted to be also without knoAvledge of this language. Various conjectures Avere instantly formed, but what seemed passing strange, Avas her acceptance of no food, except bread or milk, and that only from the hands of females. On the men she looked with anger and disdain, but sAveetly smiled, as she accepted any present from the other sex. The neighbouring ladies remonstrated with her on the danger of so exposed a situation, but in vain ; For neither prayers nor menaces, could iuduee her t« sleep in a house.* OF PRESERVING HEALTH. i&* Beneath a stack Louisa's dwelling rose, Here the fair maniac bore four winter's suoavs ; Here long she shiver'd, stiff'ning iu the blast, And light'nings round her head their horrors cast, Dishevell'd lo! her beauteous tresses fly, And the wild glance now fills the staring eye, The balls fierce glaring in their orbits move, [love. Bright spheres where beamed the sparkling fires of It may gratify the reader to learn, that it has been as* certained since her death, that this fair sufferer Avas the natural daughter of the Emperor Francis of Ger- many. In W----, a small village in Saxony, there lived a poor, but honest and upright Curate, avIio for many years had enjoyed, without alloy, the tranquil plea- sures of domestic happiness. He had a wife, and an on- ly child, a daughter. Content in the sphere Avherein they were placed, and unacquainted with the turbulent passions of the fashionable world, their days flowed quietly on in an uniform course of undisturbed felicity. The mother and daughter took a joint care of all the domestic concerns, and strove, by every act of attention and love, to diminish the burthen, Avhich the duties of the good old man imposed on him. Harriot, this was the name of his daughter, Avas in the strictest sense of the word, the child after his own heart. He Avas un- happy if she was absent even for a few hours, she was therefore his constant attendant. She Avas about eighteen years old, but had not yet experienced the inquietudes of that passion, which often exhibits it- self in very early life in the great world, and her princi- ples and mode of thinking Avere too noble and good to inspire her parents with even the slightest apprehensions as to the wanderings of her heart. But hear her his- tory. Far different from the condition of the Ameri- cans the Saxons are obliged, in time of peace, to re- ceive the king's cavalry, which are quartered in differ- ent villages, where it is maintained at the expense of the poor peasantry. Most of these soldiers are riotous R 122 ON HYGIENE, OR THE ART young men, who, by virtue of their profession and uni- form, obtain entrance into the houses of all the peasantry, and even of the Curates, to the great corruption of the innocent and virtuous manners of the country people.— One of them, a handsome, but giddy young man, was quartered at W----, where he soon made the acquain- tance of the good old parson. The young soldier had more culture of mind, than is commonly met with in such a class of men. He pleased the Curate, who of- ten invited him to the parsonage, and listened with pleasure to the histories of his battles, and Avarlike a- chievements. The tender-hearted Harriot found great entertain- ment in the company of the young warrior, and like Othelo's mistress, |the story of his life, " the battles, sieges, fortunes that had passed, the hair breadth 'scapes, the moving accidents by flood and field," overcome her heart. Love had taken possession of her bosom, be- fore she was aware of its approach. She blushed Avhen he took her by the hand, and was unhappy when he left her. The soldier could not resist the beautiful girl, for his heart was formed for love ; they therefore soon came to an explanation of their mutual passion, which, for the present, they agreed to conceal from their pa- rents ; for fear that prudential motives would cause them to oppose it. They bound themselves to each other, however, by an oath, which, at the same time that it showed the strength of their affection, exhibited the most romantic turn of mind. They promised to marry, as soon as he should attain the rank of serjeant major, and agreed that the one should destroy the other, who first failed in the engagement. Thus matters stood, when, contrary to the wishes of the loArers, a lawyer from a neighbouring town applied to the father of Harriot for the hand of his daughter. He Avas well received, and his views promoted by the old people; but when his intention Avas declared to the unfortunate girl, she fell into the arms of her father, as if struck with lightning, and on her recovery, wept bitterly, en- treating him not to encourage the addresses of this new lover. Her parents, being ignorant of the true cause of her aversion, thought that time would soon overcome it, OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 1#3 and therefore gave their solemn promise to the laAver to second his wishes. Harriot however, resisted every argument and remained true to her promise; but her parents at last growing tired of her opposition, deter- mined to employ their authority, which at last prevail- ed. The young soldier soon received the intelligence, and instantly formed this desperate resolution, for Avith- out his lovely Harriot he could not live. A short time before the marriage-day, a dance was given in W---->, in honour of the pair. To this he resorted unable any longer to resist the desire of seeing once more his be- loved. He concealed himself among the spectators un- til he saw her dance; this roused him to a state of fu- ry; he ran home, took a pah of loaded pistols, and waited until the party broke up. It Avas a dark night, but he discerned the unhappy bride intended, and her bridegroom, Avalking hand in hand. He stepped up to her, and in a low voice, requested that she would in- dulge him with a moments' conversation. She disen- gaged her arm from that of the lawyer, intreated him to walk on, assuring him she would immediately return \ but alas, she was to return no more! a pistol was heard, and when her trembling friends reached the place, they found her weltering in blood, at the feet of her mur- derer. " Now art thou mine again," cryed the soldier, in tones of horrid joy, and fled, but not to escape. He delivered himself to the officers of justice, and begged to be instantly executed, which event indeed soon fol- lowed. Learn parents, from this story, the danger of inter- fering with your children's affections, in so serious an affair as marriage : for as Shakespeare observes : Marriage is sure a matter of more worth, Than to be subject for attorney-ship ; For what is wedlock forced, but a hell, An age of discord and continual strife ? Whereas the contrary bringeth forth bliss, And is a pattern of celestial peace. The most dangerous effects of love is jealousy, that passion in its nature terrible, even Avhen it is not exalt 1£4 QN HYGEINE, OR THE ART ted by love, renders the soul frantic, when all the af- fections of the heart are combined with the most acute sentiments of self-love. Love is not the only ingredi- ent of jealousy, as it is of the regret we feel, when we ceased to be loved. Jealousy inspires the thirst of ven- geance ; regret inspires only the wish to die! Jealousy is a more painful situation, because it is composed of conflicting sensations; and because it is discontented with itself. It repents of the past, it preys upon itself, and the pain it occasions, is supportable only when it sinks into melancholy. Bonaventur sitting at a table, and looking earnestly upon a beautiful woman there present, was asked by her husband, Avhy he so gazed ? He answered, " That he admired the excellency of the Creator by contem- plating the beauty of the creature ; and that if mortals were so amiable, hoAv lovely should we be at the resur- rection ?" This Avas an example, saith Boschier, that Avas rather to be admired than imitated, suitable to the golden age, and not this present iron age of the Avorld, wherein jealousy may be compared to the Indian arrows, so envenomed, that if they prick the skin it is very dangerous, but if they draw blood, it is irrecover- ably dead : the first motions that arise from this root of bitterness have their evil effects; but where the disease is improved it empoisons all our comforts, and throws us headlong into the most tragical resolutions. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, had a smack of this disease; for Avhen he visited Abdera, and some other remote cities of Greece, he wrote to his friend Dionysius to over-see his wife in his absence, although she lived in his house with her father and mother, who he kneAV Avould have a care of her; yet that Avould not satisfy his jealousy, he Avould have his especial friend Hionysius to dAvell in his house with her all the time of his peregrination, and to observe her behaviour hoAV she carried herself in her husband's absence, "for a woman had need to have an overseer," saith he, " to keep her honest; they are bad by nature, and lightly given, and if not curbed in time, as an unprune tree, they will be full of Avild branches." OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 1&* A rich man of Basil fell into a cruel jealousy of his wife, a virtuous person, upon this slight occasion; he had thrown off a pair of silk garters', because they were grown old, and as he thought, no longer fit for his wear: his wife took them up, and in his presence gave them to a servant who chanced then to be present. The ser- vant thankfully received them, and fitted them to his legs. Upon which the jealous husband thought all that was ill of his wife, and the devil increasing his unjust suspicion, upon a Sunday, while the rest of his family wero at church he rushes upon his wife, with his drawn sword, accuses her of adultery, and without hearing her reply, ammediately slew her. The murder was scarce committed, Avhen repenting of what he had done, he was seized with such extremity of sorrow, that he grew wea- ry of his life. He therefore wrote down, " that by the instigation of Satan, moved with,,false suspicions, he had murdered his innocent wife," and having tied this note to his left arm, he threw himself headlong from the top of his house into the street, by which fall he died. The Marquis of Astorgas, of the family of Osorio, indulged himself in an illicit intercourse with a most beautiful young woman. His wife, on being informed of his intrigue, went immediately to the house where her husbands' mistress lived, and murdered her in the most cruel manner. She tore her heart from her bo- som, and took it home, ordered it to be hashed and served up to her husband for dinner. After he had eaten of it, she asked him, if it was good; and on his answering yes, she said, she was not in the least surprised, for it was the heart of his mis- tress, Avhom he so dearly loved. At the same time, she drew from a cupboard, the bleeding head of his mur- dered favorite, and rolled it on the table, at which this unhappy lover, was sitting Avith his friends. His wife immediately departed, and took refuge in a convent, where she soon afterwards went mad from rage and jealousy. Earth has no rage like love to hatred turn'd, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorn'd. Drydf.n. 126 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ARi The power of beauty is unsversally acknowledged; it hath been the object of love and admiration, in all times and among all nations. But alas! what is beauty without the graces of Virtue* We soon see to the bottom of such shallow goods, aiid consequently must experience a decay of that admiration and affec- tion which constitutes happiness in the first degree. But to no such mortifying disappointment is he liable, who bestows his love on an object in which are concen- tred all the charms of beauty, and all the graces of vir- tue. In Italy there grows an herb, they call it the Basilis- co: it is sweet-scented enough; but withal it hath this strange property, that being laid under a stone in a moist place, in a few days it produces a scorpion.—- Thus, though the woman, in her first creation, Avas in- tended as a help for man, the partner of his joys and cares, the SAveet perfume and relish of his days through- out his Avhole pilgrimage: yet there are some so far de- generated from their primitive institution, though other- wise of exterior beauty and perfection enough, that they have proved more intolerable than scorpions, not only tormenting the life, but hastening the death of their too indulgent husbands. The noble Pittacus, so famous for his valour, and as much renowed for his wisdom and justice, feasted upon a time certain of his friends, who were strangers. His wife coming in at the midst of the dinner, being angry at something else, overthrew the table, and tumbled doAvn all the provision under foot. At which, when his guests were wonderfully abashed, Pittacus, turning to them, said : u There is not one of us all but he hath his cross, and one thing or other wherewith to exercise his patience ; and for my own part, this is the only thing that checketh my felicity : for were it not for this shreAv, my wife, I were the happiest man in the Avorld: so that *f me these verses may be verified : This man, who while he walks the street, Or public place, is happy thought, OF PRESERVING HEALTH. m k No sooner sets in house his feet, But woe is him, and not for nought; His wife him rules, and that's a spright, She scolds, she fights from noon to night." Joan, grandchild to Robert, King of Naples, suc- ceeded her grandfather in the kingdom of Naples and Sicily; a woman of a beautiful person, and rare endowments of nature. She was first married to her cousin Andrew, a prince of royal extraction, and of a sweet and loving disposition ; but he not being able to satisfy her wantonness, she greAv Aveary of him, and caused him to be strangled in the night and then threAv out his corpse into a garden, where it lay some days unburied. It is said, her husband on seeing her twist- ing a thick string of silk and silver, asked for what purpose she made it; she answered, " To hang you in," which he then little believed; the rather, because those who intend such mischief, use not to speak of it before- hand ; but it seems she was as good as her word. There is no vice whatever, that is very easy to over- come, but that of the lust of the flesh seems to have a peculiar difficulty in the conquest of them. But, how much the more strong therefore the enemy is, and the more intimate and familiar he is with us, the more no- ble is the victory, and the conquest more glorious. Scipio had taken the city of New Carthage, where, besides the rest of the spoil, there were found a number of boys and girls, and the children of nobility : among the rest, one virgin was brought and presented to Scipio, Avhose marvelous beauty attracted the eyes of all men : it Avas supposed that this would be no unacceptable present to a young general. But as soon as he had looked upon her, " I would," said he, « accept and en- joy this virgin, were I a private person, and not in such command as now I am: as it is, the republic keeps this mind of mine sufficiently employed; yet I receive her as a kind of pledge to be by me restored and returned where reason and humanity shall direct." He then asked the young lady of what country she was, what her birth, and who her parents ? By her he under 12S ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART stood that she was a prtncess, and contracted to Lu- ceius, a young prince of her nation. The general, therefore, sent both for him and her parents: and when come, setting the lady by him, spoke thus to her spouse; " As soon as the virgin Avas by my soldiers brought and presented to me, I Avith pleasure beheld the ex- cellency of her form, and I praised the other accom. plishments of her body and mind, for nature hath not brought us forth blind and altogether indifferent of such things : love can reach even this breast of mine, but then it must be an honest one, and such as the time and my affairs will permit; though, therefore, she is mine in the right of war, I am not desirous, in the midst of arms, to play away my time in amorous dalliances: nor perhaps would it be just to detain from a valiant person one that is already contracted to him. I have learned thus much from her: and have therefore sent for thee, that I might see thee, and that I heaven is my witness might deliver this virgin chaste as I found her to thee. She hath lived with me in the same caution and reservedness as if she had been with her parents; nor was it a gift worthy either of myself or thee, if ei- ther force or private fraud had made any diminution to her virtue. Receive her inviolate, and enjoy her; nor do I desire any other recompense than a cordial respect to Scipio and the Romans." The young prince Avas astonished for joy; the parents fell down at the feet of Sci{>io, and laying there a considerable weight of gold, offered it as her ransom; but he bid the young prince take it as a part of her doAvry from himself, above that which her parents should give. Thus did he overcome at once lust and covetousness; and by this one noble act of bis, drew a great part of Spain to the side of the Romans ; they striving Avith eagerness to be subject to a person of so much virtue. A young Italian nobleman fell in love with a dutchess of singular beauty, but knew not Iioav to make her sen- sible of it; at length chance gave him an opportunity be- yond his exnectations. One evening, as he returned from hawking, he passed through the fields of the lady in OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 129 question, bordering on the palace. The duke, her hus- band, and she were walking together as the young lord came by. The duke, seeing his train, and Avhat game they had been pursuing, asked him some questions con- cerning their sport, and, being of an hospitable disposi- tion, invited him into his palace to partake of a colla- tion. He accepted the offer; and here commenced an acquaintance, Avhich in time made Avay for an assigna- tion between the duchess and him. Accordingly he was let into the garden one night, and conducted privately to her chamber, where she was beforehand ready to re- ceive him. After some compliments, " my lord," said the duchess, " you are obliged to my husband for this favour; who, as soon as you were gone from our house, the first time he saw you, gave you such commendations as made me conceive an immediate passion for you."— u And is this true, madam?" demanded the young no- bleman, in astonishment; " then, far be it from me to be so ungrateful to my friend. With that he resumed his garments, wliich he had begun to throAV by, and in- stantly took his leave. Where shall Ave find one so generous and honest, so noble and divine, as that of Joseph, recorded in Holy Writ ? The same arguments which a base mind would have made to itself for perpetrating the evil, namely, free trust, full poAver, and immediate temptation, were, to this brave, this gallant man, the greatest motives for his forbearing it. He could do it with impunity from man ; but he could not affront and presumptuously of- fend a just, a holy, and an avenging God. Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul, It pleases, and it lasts;—a happiness That even above the smiles and frowns of fate Exalts great* nature's favorites;—a wealth That ne'er encumbers, nor to baser hands Can be transferred; it is the only good Man justly boasts of> or can call his own. Armstrong. s 130 ON HYGETNE, OR THE ART There was a maid called Lucia, who lived a virgin amongst many others, and whose exquisite beauty was sought after, with vehement solicitation, by a powerful lord: who having command and authority in his hands, sent messengers to seize on this innocent lamb; and whilst they Avere at the gate menacing to kill her, and set all on fire, if this poor creature was not delivered in- to their hands; the maid came forth; " what is it," said she, " you demand? I beseech you to tell me whether there be any thing in my power to purchase your lord and master's love ? " Yes," ansAvered they, " your eyes have gained him; nor ever can he have rest till he enjoy them," " well, go then," said she, " only suffer me to go to my chamber, and I will give satisfaction in this point." The poor maid, seeing her situation, she spoke to her eyes, and said : (i how, my eyes, are you then guilty ? I know the reservedness and simplicity of your glances ; nor have I, in that kind, any remorse of conscience. But, hoAvsoever it be, you appear to me not innocent enough, since you have kin- dled fire in the heart of a man, whose hatred I have ever more esteemed than his love : quench with your blood the flames you have raised." Whereupon, Avith a hand piously cruel, she digged out her eyes, and sent the torn reliques, embrued in her blood, to him who sought her; adding, " behold what you love." He, seized with horror, hastened to hide himself in a mon- astery, where he remained the rest of his days. Of all the characters under the sun, there is none so degrading to human nature as a false lover or libertine. To obtain his ends, he must become a liar, a reprobate and a villian. It is reported of the cruel beast called the Hyaena, that by his exact imitation of the human voice, he draws the unwary shepherds out of their cottages, till he hath brought them within the compass of his power, and then he falls upon them with all his fierceness, and devours them. Thus it is with these brutish men, who by pre- tences of love and virtue, gain the hearts of poor inno- cent females^ till they become either masters of their OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 131 fortune or honour; which done, death itself is more de- sirable than that bitterness and indignity, with which they treat them. A Frenchman of note, whose name is Villars, married a young, rich, and amiable lady; but having been former- ly addicted to converse Avith lewd women, as soon as the honey-moon was over, gave himself up to the same vicious courses, slighted and abused his wife with words and Woavs ; forsook her bed; took away her clothes, her rings and jewels, and gave them to his mistresses4 tell- ing his wife, " He did not marry her, but her for- tune, which he would spend upon these women, be- cause he loved them, for he never had any kindness for her." All these unkindnesses his wife bore with infi- nite patience, in hopes to reclaim him by her modest and humble behaviour. At length, finding he had al- most consumed his whole estate, he brought two of these women home to save charges, and made his wife wait upon them at table; which she did without discovering any trouble or discontent at this more than servile employment. But the more she sought to please them, the more insolent were they, insomuch that one of them commanding her to fetch some water to wash her hands, and to kneel while she held the bason; the lady refusing so mean a submission, the strumpet threatened to beat her; where- upon the lady taking courage, threw the water in the hussy's face; who crying out, and the husband com- ing to inquire into the reason of it, she cried out, " Oh, your wife has killed me, she has killed me, revenge my blood!" and then counterfeiting death, fell upon the ground as if she had been really dead; which the hus- band believing, run his wife through the body with his sword, of which wound she died immediately; upon this, the vile strumpet jumped up and kissed the mur- derer. However they did not escape the vengeance of Heaven^ for they were shortly after apprehended, and sentenced to be hanged; Villars as principal, and his two mistresses as accessaries, and were executed ac- cordingly. One John Williams married a poor idict for the sake of a sum of money that had been left her; 13& ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART t which, when he was possessed of, he determined to shorten the life of the unhappy wife by a series of cruelty, that so he might be quit of a connection which interest alone had made him contract. For this pur- pose he drove a strong staple into the Avail of a closet, in the room where they lodged, and to this staple he daily tied her with a rope, Avhich he drew round her middle, her hands being fastened behind with iron hand- cuffs ; and the little food he allowed her, Avas laid on a shelf just within the reach of her mouth, so that if she dropped any part of it she could not recover it again. And fearing lest this treatment might not dispatch her soon enough, the barbarous villain augmented his cruel- ty by contracting the rope that confined her, till her toes only reached the ground; and if his daughter attempted to alleviate her misery by setting a stool for her to stand on, he used to beat her unmercifully. By this treatment the poor creature became a frightful skeleton, and slm was so far reduced that her stomach' loathed food; which, when he perceived, the artful villain released her, loosed her hand, set meat before her, and invited her to eat with the most endearing words, with a view to skreen himself from justice; but in tAvo days after she died. For this barbarous murder he Avas executed in Moorfields, amidst a numerous populous, whose resent- ment the villain fearing would urge them to tear him to pieces, made him earnest Avith the hangman to dis- patch him. The female who yields her virtue to the brutal de- sires of a false lover, degrades herself in his estimation, by the infidelity she commits, and his heart is cured by the contempt for her, Avhich he feels. Pride however, in the case of such a woman, aggravates the sufferings, which her love inflicts. In the eyes of a modestly bred woman, the surrender of so precious a jeVel inspires a remorse and shame, when she ceases to be beloved, that constitutes the bitterest woe of life. . It is surely matter of Avonder, that these destroyers of innocence, though dead to all the higher sentiments of virtue and honour, are not restrained by compassion and OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 133 humanity. To bring sorroAv, confusion, and infamy in- to a family; to wound the heart of a tender parent, and stain the life of a poor, deluded young woman, with a dishonour which never can be Aviped off, are circum- stances, one would think, sufficient to check the most violent passion, in a heart the least susceptible of feel- ing. Let the unhappy fate of Monimia be ever impressed on the minds of my young female readers. ------■-------------she flourish'd Grew sweet to sense, and lovely to the eye, Till at the last, the cruel spoiler came, Cropt this fair rose, and rifled all its sweetness, Then threw it, like a loathsome weed, away. Otavay. She was the lovely and accomplished daughter of an aged and worthy country squire. A young officer, a man of birth and fashion, who lived in the neighbourhood, took advantage of the unwary disposition of this inno- cent girl, and afterwards cruelly deserted her. She thus addresses him. Since language neAer can express my pain, How can I hope to move when 1 complain? Yet such is woman's frensy in distress, We love to plead, tho' hopeless of redress. Perhaps, affecting ignorance, thou'lt say, From whence these lines ? whose message to convey? If then you force me to avow my shame, Behold them prefaced with Monimia's name. Lost to the world, abandon'd and forlorn, Expos'd to infamy, reproach and scorn, To joy and comfort lost, and all for you, And lost, perhaps, to your remembrance too; How hard my lot! what refuge can I try, Weary of }Mer and yst afraid to die! 134 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART n To these reflections each slow weary day, And each* revolving night, a constant prey, Think what I suffer, nor ungentle hear What madness dictates in my fond despair, Grudge not this short relief—too fast it flies ! Nor chide that weakness I myself despise. For sure one moment is at last her due Who sacrificed her all, for love and you. If not of rock thy flinty heart is made, Or tigers nursed thee in the desert shade, These lines sure thy cold compassion move, Which ask but audience to an injured Love. Tho' no return my warmer wishes find, Be. to the wretch, tho' not the mistress, kind; Without restraint, habituate to range The paths of pleasure, can I bear the change ? Doom'd from the world unwilling to retire, In bloom of life, and warm with young desire, In lieu of roofs with princely splendor gay, Condemn'd in distant wilds to drag the day; Yes, yes, this change I could, unsighing see For none I morn, but what I find in thee : There centre all my woes; thy heart estrang'd, I morn my lover, not my fortune, chang'd, Blest with thy presence, I could all forget, Nor gilded palaces in huts regret; But exil'd thence, superfluous is the rest, Each place the same, my hell is in my breast; To pleasure dead, and living but to pain, My only sense to suffer and complain. As all my wrongs distressful I repeat, Say can thy pulse with equal cadence beat ? Can'st thou knoAV peace ? is copscience Hinte within? That upright delegate for secret sin; OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 135 Is nature so extinguished in thy heart, That not one spark remains to take my part ? Not one repentant throb, one grateful sigh ? Thy breast unruffled, and unwet thine eye ? Thou cool betrayer, temperate in ill! Thou, nor remorse, ner thought humane, can'st feel: Born in an age, Avhen Guilt and Fraud prevail, When Justice sleeps, and int'rest holds the scale; Thy loose companions, a licentious crew, Most to each other, all to us, untrue; Who, indigent of honour, as of shame Glory in crimes, which others blush to name. These are the leaders of thy blinded youth, These vile seducers laugh thee out of truth ; Whose scurril jests all solemn ties profane, Or Friendship's band, or Hymen's sacred chain. With such you lose the day in false delight, In lewd debauch you revel out the night. (O fatal commerce to Monimia's peace,) Their arguments convince because they please 5 Whilst sophistry for reason they admit, And wander dazzled in the glare of wit. Oft I revolve, in this distracted mind, Each word, each look, that spoke my charmer kind ; But oh! how dear their mem'ry I repay! What pleasures past, can present cares allay? Of all I love forever dispossess'd; Ah! what avails, to think I once was bless'd ! Thy fatal letters, O immortal youth, Those perjur'd pledges of fictitious truth, Dear as they were, no second joy afford, My cred'lous heart once leap'd at ev'ry word, My glowing bosom throbb'd with thick'heav'd sighs, And floods of rapture rush'd into mine eyes : 136 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART When noAv repeated (for the theft Avas vain, Each treasur'd syllable my thoughts retain) Far other passions rule, and dift''rent care, My joys are grief; my transports are despair. Why dost thou mock the ties of constant love? But half its joys the faithless ever prove; They only taste the pleasures they receive, When, sure, the noblest is in those Ave give. Acceptance is the heaven Avhich mortals know, But 'tis the joy of heaven to bestow. Oh! emulate , my love, that task divine, Be thou that angel, and that heaven be mine. Yes, yet relent, yet intercept my fate; Alas! I rave, and sue for new deceit, First vital warmth shall from the grave return, Ere' love extinguish'd, with fresh ardor burn; Oh! that I dar'd to act a Roman part, And stab thy image in this faithful heart; There rivitted to life, secure you reign, Ah! cruel inmate, sharp'ning every pain; While, coward-like, irresolute, I wait Time's tardy aid, nor dare to rush on fate; Perhaps may linger on life's latest stage, Survive thy cruelties, and fall by age; No: grief shall spread my sails, and speed me o'er, \ {"Despair my pilot J to that quiet shore, V Where I can trust, aud thou betray no more. ) 'Tis past—'tis done—what gleam of hope behind, When I can ne'er be false, nor thou be kind ? Why then this care—'tis weak—'tis vain—-farewell,— At that last word what agonies I feel! 1 faint—I die—remember I was true— Tis all I ask—eternally—adieu. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 137 OF HOPE. "Hope springs immortal in the human breast, Man never is, but always to be blest. O Happiness, our being's end and aim, Good, Pleasure, Ease, Content, what'er thy name"; That something still, which prompt the eternal sigh, For which we bear to live, or dare to die." Pope. Hope is the anticipation of joy, or the presentiment of an expected good. It is attended with all the favour- able effects of a fortunate event, Avithout possessing any of its physicial advantages ; because the expectation of happiness does not affect us so excessively as its enjoy- ment. Besides, it is not liable to those interruptions, from which no human pleasure is exempt; it is employ- ed principally with ideal or imaginary objects, and generally keeps within the bounds of moderation; lastly, the sense of happiness contained in hope, far ex- ceeds the satisfaction received from immediate enjoy- ment, consequently, it has a more beneficial influence on health, than good fortune realized. Although hope is in itself only ideal, and presents its flattering images to the fancy in a borrowed light, yet it is nevertheless the only genuine source of human happiness. With thee, sweet Hope! resides the Heav'nly light, That pours remotest rapture on the sight: Thine is the charm of life's bewilder'd way, That calls each slumb'ring passion into play. Wak'd by thy touch, I see the sister band, On tiptoe watching, start at thy command, And fly where'er thy mandate bids them steer, To Pleasure's path, or Glory's bright career. Campbell. The poet Hesiod tells us, that the miseries and ca- lamities of mankind were included in a great tun : that Pandora took off the lid of it, sent them abroad, and T iSS ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART they spread themselves in great quantities over all lands and seas; but at this time, Hope only did remain behind, and flew not all abroad, But underneath the utmost brim and ledge it still abode. And this is that which is our principal antidote, which keeps our hearts from bursting under the pressure of evils ; and that flattering mirror that gives us a prospect of greater good. Hence some call it the manna from heaven, that comforts us in all extremities ; others, the pleasant and honest flatterer, that caresses the unhap- py with expectation of happiness in the bosom of futu- rity. When all other things failus, Hope stands by us to the last. Hope gives freedom to the captive, Avhen chained to the oar; health to the sick, while death grins in his face; victory to the defeated; and wealth to the beggar, while he is craving alms. Primeval Hope, the Aonian Muses say, When Man and Nature mourn'd their first decay; When every form of death, and every woe, Shot from malignant stars to earth below; When murder bared her arm, and rampant War Yok'd the red dragons of her iron car; When Peace and Mercy, banish'd from the plain. Sprung on the viewless winds to Heav'n again ; All, all forsook the friendless guilty mind, But Hope, the charmer, linger'd still behind. Campbell. A very notable case of the influence of Hope on the Mman body, and its maladies, is recorded in the histo- ry of the long siege of Breda in 1635, by a physician, eye witness to the fact. The Garrison, depressed by fatigue, poisoned by bad provisions, and dying rapidly of the scurvy, were on the point of giving up the toAvn. The Prince of Orange anxious to prevent its loss, contrived letters to the Gar- rison, promising them speedy assistance. These were OF PRESERVING HEALTH. *3& .accompanied with newly discovered medicines against the scurvy, of a most extraordinary price, but still more extraordinary efficacy. To each physician Avere given three small vials, filled with drops of such sovereign power, that four drops were sufficient to impart a heal- ing virtue to a gallon of liquor. We noAv, says the physician, avIio was one of the eye Avitnesses of this curious fact, began to display our wonder AVorking bal- sams. Nor were even the commanders let into the se- cret of the cheat upon the soldiers. All who had the scurAy croAvded around us, to take their doses. Cheer- fulness again appears in every countenance, and the universal faith prevails in the sovereign virtues of the remedy. The effect of this delusion was truly as- tonishing. Many who had not moved their limbs for a month before, were seen walking the streets erect and perfectly cured. Many, avIio declared they had been rendered Avorse by all former remedies, recovered in a few days to their inexpressible joy, and the no less ge- neral surprise, by their taking what we affirmed to be their gracions Prince's cure. " This curious relation," adds Dr. Lind, " would hardly perhaps gain credit, were it not in every respect consonant to the most accurate observations, and best attested description of that disease. It is given us by an eye witness, an author of great candour and veracity, who, as he informs us, wrote down every day the state of his patients, and seems more to be surprised with their unexpected recovery, than he probably would have been, had he been acquainted with the nature of this surprising malady. An important lesson in physic," adds this excellent writer," is hence to be learned ; the wonderful influence of the passions of the mind on the state and disorders of the body. This is too often over- looked in the cure of disorders, many of which are sometimes attempted by the sole mechanical operation of drugs, without calling in to our assistance the strong powers of the imagination, or the concuring influences of the soul. Hence it is, that the same remedy will not always produce the same effect, even in the same yerson 5 and that common remedies often prove Avonder'^ 140 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART fully successful in the hands of men not of the faculty, Avhich do not answer the purpose in a timorous and dist- rustful patient. A certain Rhodian, for his over freedom in speech, was cast by a tyrant in a cage, and there kept as a wild beast, to his great pain and shame : for his hands Avere cut off, his nostrils slit, and his face deformed by several Avounds upon it. In this his extremity, he Avas advised by some of his friends to shorten his life by a voluntary abstinence from all food. But he rejected tlieir counsel with great indignation; and told them, " While a man is alive, all things are to be hoped for by him." * Cease, every joy, to glimmer on my mind, But leave—ob ! leave, the light of Hope behind! What though my winged hours of bliss have been, Like angel-visits, few and far between ! Her musing mood shall every pang appease, And charm—Avhen pleasure lose the poAver to please! Campbell. OF JOY. Pleasures are ever in our hands or eyes ; And when, in act, they cease, in prospect, rise: Present to grasp, and future still to find, The whole employ of body and of mind. All spread their charms, but charm not all alike; On diff'rent senses, diff'rent objects strike ; Hence diff'rent Passions more or less inflame, As strong or weak, the organs of the frame; And hence one master passion in the breast, Like Aaron's serpent, swallows up the rest. Pope. Joy is that state of mind, in which it feels extraordi- nary pleasure. The activity of the whole machine is OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 141 enlivened; the heart and arteries is increased; the cir- culation of all the fluids is more vigorous and uniform: it prevents the formation of disease, and facilitates the cure of such as are formed. Pope Julius the second, receiving information of aux- iliary forces that were coining to him from the King of Spain, to make an end of the Farrarian war, was so exceedingly rejoiced at it, that he was presently reliev- ed of a fever, with Avhich he was ainicted for some time. Askew, a wealthy and facetious farmer of Cornwall, Avas afflicted with a most alarming imposthumation of' Avhich he appeared to be on the very point of suffoca- tion. Concluding from his agonies, that he had but a few moments to live, his servants, an ungrateful crew to so generous a master, began to plunder. One seized his gold watch, another laid violent hands on his plate; and the third more daring still, broke his bureau, and be- gan to finger his gold. A monkey, Avho was present, seeing what they were about, and thinking he might as well take a hand in the game, laid hold of his master's wig, and with his gold-headed cane, made him a low bow, and began to walk about the room as a man of great consequence. The stately steppings and self-as- sumed dignity of Jacko, so tickled the fancy of Mr. As- kew, as to excite a most immoderate fit of laughter.— The imposthumation bursted, the purulent matter thrown up—and, to the eternal confusion of his sevants, Mr. Askew perfectly recovered his health. Ptolomeus Philadelphus had received the sacred vo- lumes of the law of God, newly brought out of Judea : and while he held them with great reverence in his hands, praising God upon that account, all that were present made a joyful exclamation ; and the King him- self was so over-joyed, that he broke out into tears.— Nature having so ordered it, that the expression of sor- roAv should also be the folhyvvers of extraordinary joys. The -/Egyptian Temples, they say, were exceedingly beautiful and fair in the frontespiece, but foul and fit 14$ ON HYGIENE, OR THE ART thy inwardly. So this affection of joy which seem* outwardly so pleasant upon us, and which furnishes our hearts with much pleasure and delight, proves fatal to as in the excesses of it, and serves us much after the man- ner of ivy, which seemeth to adorn the tree whereunto it cleaveth, but indeed sucketh out, and stealeth aAvay the sap thereof. A gentleman at a sermon, saw a woman fall from her seat half asleep; at which most of the con- gregation laughed; but he, was so much moved, that for three days he did nothing but laugh, by which means he was much weakened, and continued in an infirm state of body for a long time after. Cardanus, in the fifth book of Wisdom, gives an in- stance of the danger of this passion when it exceeds its due bounds, in a smith of Milan, a fellow citizen of his, who being highly commended for refining an instrument called the colea, heretofore made use of by Archimedes, out of extreme joy ran mad. Philemon, a comic poet, beholding an ass eating some figs that a boy had laid down; when the boy re- turned, " go now" said he,((and fetch the ass some drink." the old man was so tickled with the fancy of his own jest, that he died laughing. In the same manner, and much upon the same occasion, died Chrysippus. The same is related of one of the Popes, who, when he was ill, saw a monkey at his bed side put on the holy tiara. Philippides, a comic poet in Athens, being arrived to a great age, when in the contest and trial of poets, he beyond all his hopes had the victory adjudged to him; and not able to bear the great joy it excited, he sud- denly fell down and died. Captain Coucy, a gallant gentleman of ancient ex- traction, in France, and governor of Coucy castle, fell in love with a young lady, and courted her. There Avas reciprocal love betAveen them; but her parents understand- ing it, by way of prevention, shuffleciup a forced match Of PRESERVING HEALTH. 143 between her and one Mr. Fayel, who was heir to a great estate. Hereupon captain Coucy quitted France in dis- content, and went to the wars in Hungary against the Turks, where he received a mortal wound near Buda—- Being carried to his lodgings, he languished four days: but a little before his death, he spoke to an ancient ser- vant, of whose fidelity and trust he had had ample ex- perience, and told him he had a great business to trust him with, which he conjured him to perforin; which was, that after his death, he should cause his body to be opened, take out his heart, put it into an earthen pot, and bake it to powder; then put the powder into a hand- some box, with the bracelet of hair he had long worn about his left wrist, which was a lock of Mademoiselle Fayel's hair and put it amongst the poAvder, together with a little note he had written to her with his own blood: and after he had given him the rites of burial, to mal^e all the speed he could to France, and deliver the box to Mademoiselle Fayel. The old servant did as his master commanded him, and so went to France; and coming one day to Monsieur Fayel's house, he sud- denly met him with one of his servants ; who knowing him to be captain Coucy's servant, examined him; and finding him timorous and to faulter in his speech, he searched him, and found the said box in his pocket, with the note which expressed what was in it; then he dismissed the bearer, with menaces that he should come no more thither-*-Monsieur Fayel going in, sent for hi9 cook, and delivered him the powder charging him to make a well relished dish of it, without loosing a jot, for it was a very costly thing, and commanded him to bring it in himself, after the last course at supper. The cook bringing in his dish accordingly, Monsieur Fayel commanded all to avoid the room, and began a serious discourse with his wife—" That ever since he had mar* ried her, he observed she was always melancholy, an4 he feared she was inclining to a consumption, therefore he had provided a very precious cordial, which he was well assured would cure her; and for that reason, obliged her to eat up the whole dish; she afterwards much im- portuning him to know what it was, he told heir at last, "she had eaten Coucy's heart;" and so dreAV the box 144 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART out of his pocket and showed her the note and bracelet. In a sudden exultation of joy, she with a deep fetched sigh, said, "This is a precious cordial indeed;" and so licked the dish, saying, " It is so precious, that it is a pity ever to eat any thing after it," Whereupon she went to bed, and in the morning was found dead. This sad story is painted in Coucy castle, and remains fresh to this day. - When the Romans were overcome by Hannibal at the battle of Thrasymene, and the news of that calamity was brought to them the anxious and solicitous multi- tudes flocked to the gates, as well men as Avomen, to hear Avhat became of their friends: various Avere the af- fections of inquirers according as they were certified of the life or death of their relations; but both sorrow and joy of the women exceeded that of the men. Here it Was that one woman meeting at the gate with her son in safety, Avhom she had given up for dead, died in his arms as she embraced him. Another hearing, though falsely, that her son was slain, kept herself withindoors in great sorroAv and perplexity: when unexpectedly she saw him come in; this first sight of him caused such ex- cessive joy, as to deprive her immediately of life. If Ave have anticpated any joyful events, the body is gradually prepared to undergo the emotions connected Avith it. For this reason we ought to fortify ourselves with the necessary share of firmness, to meet joyful, as well as disastrous tidings. Habitual joy arising from the perfection, rectitude, and due subordination of our faculties; and their lively exercise on the most worthy object as the love of God, and the practice of virtue constitutes mental or rational happiness. A soul in commerce Avith her God, is heav'n Feels not the tumults and the shocks of life; The whirls of passions and the strokes of heart. A deity believed, is joy begun; A deity adored, is joy advanced; A deity beloved, is joy matured. Youxc 0F PRESERVING HEALTH'. 14;9 OF GRIEF, It is the great art of life to manage well The restless mind. Forever on persuit Of knowledge bent, it starves the grosser powers^ Quite unemployed, against its own repose It turns its fatal edge, and sharper pangs Than what the body knows embittered life. Chiefly where solitude, sad nurse of care, To sickly musing giyes the pensive mind, There madness enters; and the dim-ey'd fiend> Sour melancholy, night and day provokes Hr-r own eternal wound.------——------- Armstrong. Grief, like a poison, corrodes the powers of the mind and body; it enfeebles the whole nervous sys- tem ; the heartbeats slower; the circulation of the blood, and other fluids become more inert; the appetite and digestion become vitiated, and thus arise obstructions, and other distressing complaints. Tears are the ano» dynes of grief, and ought therefore not to be restrained. They have a tendency to prevent the danger to be ap- prehended from grief, by diminishing the spasmodic mo- tions in the breast and head; and by restoring regulari- ty in respiration, as well as in the circulation of the blood. A widoAV lady was left in narrow circumstances, with a boy and girl, two beautiful and lively children, the one six, and the other seven years of age; as her circum- stances allowed her to keep but one maid servant, these two children were the sole attention, employment, and consolation of her life, she fed them, dressed them, slept with them, and taught them herself; they were both snatched from her, by the gangrenous sore throat, in one week; so that she lost at once all that employed her, as well as all that was dear to her. For the first three cr four days, after their death, when any friend visited her, she sat upright with her eyes wide open, without shedding tears, and affected to speak of indif- ferent things. Afterwards she began to weep much, and for some weeks, talked to her friends of nQthing 140 UN HYGE1NE, OR THE ART else but her dear children. But did not for many years, even to her dying hour, get quite over a gloom, which was left upon her countenance. When any cause of deep grief is presented to the mind, it frequently gains such a force, as almost totally to exclude all thoughts, except those that are connected Avith it. Hence the Avhole imagination is by degrees obscured, and the most usual consequences of it are the deepest melancholy, succeeded by insanity—and some- times that speedier dissolution " a broken heart." A rich Bishop of Salisbury being spoiled of his goods and thrown out of his castle, was so emerged in grief, that he ran perfectly mad, and remained in that situa- tion for several years until his death. Governor Alvarado, married Lady Beatrice, and he dying, his Avife abandoned herself to all the excesses of grief; and not only dressed her house in black, and abstained from meat and sleep, but in a mad impiety, said, " God could not now do her no greater evil."— Soon after, happened an extraordinary inundation of waters, Avhich on a sudden assailed the Governor's house, and caused this impotent Lady noAV to bethink herself of her devotion, and betake her to her Chapel, with several of her maids ; where leaping on the altar, and clasping about an image, the force of the Avater car- ried away the Chapel, and she Avith her maids Avere drowned. Charles, Duke of Burgundy, being discomfited at the battle of Nancy, passing over a river, was overthrown by his horse, and in that state, Avas assaulted by a gen- tleman, of whom he craved quarters: but the gentleman being deaf, slew him immediately: yet aftenvards, Avhen he kneAv Avhom he had slain, he died within a feAV days of grief. Homer had sailed out of Chios to Io, Avith a purpose to visit Athens : here it Avas, that being old, he fell sick, ami so remained upon the shore, where there landed certain fishermen, whom he asked " if they had taken any thing ?" They replied, " Avhat we caught we left behind us; and Avhat Ave could not catch Ave brought OF PRESERVING HEALTH.. 147 with us ;" meaning, that when they could not catch any fish, they had lounged themselves upon the shore, kill- ing what they took, and carrying with them such as they could not find. When Homer was not able to solve this riddle, it is reported that he died with grief. When the Turks came to raise the siege of Buda there was amongst the German captains a nobleman called Rayschachius, whose son, a valiant young gentleman, having got out of the army Avithout his fathers know- ledge, he behaved so gallantly in fight against the ene- my, in the sight of his father, and of the army that he was highly commended of all men, and especially of his father, who did not know he was his son; yet before he could clear himself he Avas compassed in by the ene- my, and, valiantly fighting, was slain. Rayschachius, exceedingly moved with the death of so brave a man, ignorant how near it touched himself, turning about to the other captains, said, " this worthy gentleman, who- soever he be, deserves eternal commendation, and to be honoui ably buried by the whole army." As the rest of the captains were with like compassion approving his speech, the dead body of the unfortunate son was pre- sented to the most miserable father, which caused all them who were present to shed tears; but such a sud- den and inward grief surprised the aged father, and struck so to his heart, that after he had stood awhile speechless, with his eyes fixed, he fell down dead. Uvipertus elected bishop of Rauburg, went to Rome, to receive the confirmation thereof from the Pope; when finding himself neglected and rejected by him, upon the account of his youth, the next night for grief all the hair of his head Avas turned grey, whereupon he was received. The melioration of grief by time, and its being at length even attended with pleasure, depends on our re- taining any distinct idea of the last object, and forgetting for a time, the idea of the loss of it. This pleasure of grief is beautifully described by Akenside. ---------Ask the faithful youth Why the cold urn of her Avhom long he lov'd 148 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART So often fills his arms : so often draws His lonely footsteps at the silent hour To pay the mournful tribute of his tears? Oh! he will tell thee, that the Avealth of worlds Should ne'er seduce his bosom to forego That sacred hour; when stealing from the noise Of care and envy, sweet remembrance soothes With Virtue's kindest looks, his aching breast, And turns his tears to rapture. Whilst the great genius of physic, Hippocrates, drove away maladies by his precepts, and almost snatched bodies out of the hands of death, one Antiphon arose in Greece, avIio envious of his glory, promised to do upon souls, what the other did on bodies $ and proposed the sublime invention, which Plutarch, calls the art of curing grief, where we may truly say, he used more vanity, promises, and show of words, than he wrought effects. Certainly it were, to be wished that all ages, wliich are abundant in misery, should likewise produce great comforts to soften the calamities of human life. 0 ! canst thou minister to a mind diseased, Pluck from the memory of rooted soitoav, Rase out the Avritten troubles of the brain ; And, with some sAveet oblivious antidote, Cleanse the stuff ?d bosom of that perilous stuff Which weighs upon the heart ? Shakespeare. In the Pagan religion, the power of dying was the great consolation in irremediable distress. Seneca says, " no one need be unhappy, unless by his own fault." And the author of Telemachus begins his work by say- ing, that Calypso could not console herself for the loss of Ulysses, and found herself unhappy in being immor- tal. But to the Christian, this one suggestion I know that my Redeemkr liveth affords a richer cordial to the fainting soul, than all the volumes of Heathen Phi< iosophy. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. m Many are the sayings of the wise In ancient and in modern books enroll'd; Extolling patience as the truest fortitude: And to the bearing well of all calamities : All chances incident to man's frail life. Many are the consolitary writs form'd With studied argument, and much persuasion But with th' afflicted in his pangs such sounds Little prevail, or rather seem a tune Harsh, and of dissonant mood from his complaint;, Unless he feel within Some source of consolation from above, Secret refreshings, that repair his strength, And fainting spirits uphold. Milton. When the heart is oppressed, every former comfoi\t at that moment usually goes for nothing. Life is be- held in all its gloom. A dark cloud seems to hang over it; and it is too often reviewed, as no other than a scene of Avretchedness and sorrow. But this is to be unjust to human life, as well as ungrateful to its author. Only consider how many days, how many months, how many years you have passed in health, ease and comfort; Iioav many pleasurable feelings you have had; how many blessings, in short, of different kinds, you have. tasted; and you will be forced to acknoAvledge, that more materials of thanksgiving present themselves than of lamentation and complaint.—These blessings, you will say, are past. But though past, ought they to be gone from your remembrance ? Do they merit no place in the comparative estimate of goods and evils of your state ? Dicl you, could you, expect, that in this mutable Avorld, any temporal joy was to last forever ? Has gra- titude no influence to form your mind to a calm acquies- cence in your Benefactor's appointments ? What can be more reasonable than to say,—Having in former times receive^ so many good things from the hand of 150 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART God, shall I not now without despondence, receive the few evils Avhich it hath pleased him to send ? If we are deprived of friends, whom we tenderly loved, are there not some still remaining, from whom we may expect much comfort ? If our bodies are afflicted with sore dis- ease, have we not reason to be thankful that our mind continues vigorous and entire ? that we are in a situa- tion to look around us for whatever can afford us ease; and that after the decay of this frail and mouldering ta- bernacle, we can look fonvard " to a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens." In the midst of all distresses, there remains to every sincere christian, thai mixture of pure and genuine con- solation, which springs from the promises and hopes of a future life. Consider what a singular distinction this makes in your situation, beyond the state of those, who, under the various troubles of life, are left without hope; without any thing to look up to, but a train of unknoAvn causes and accidents, in which they see no light nor comfort. Thank the Father of Mercies, that into all the evils he sends, he infuses joyful hope, that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be com- pared with the glory that shall be revealed in the end to the virtuous and good. Have Ave sustained the greatest of all losses, it is his gain that he yet liveth, that this life is but the threshold, the portal, the entrance to a better play, and that his happiness is as complete as our misery is great. Let us turn our eyes from earth to heaven, from the perishable body to that which en- dureth forever ; and even whilst we are heavy with af- fliction, let us smile with our turned upAvards, and say, *<• It is thy will, I subm —He is happy. I would not wish him back to a t.jublesome world.—I soon shall follow after him. The mortal hath put on immor- tality,—We shall then meet, never, never to be sepa- rated more." Think, then, ye mourning parents, nor complain For breathless children, as ye weep in vain. Why should you be in lamentations drown'd, While your young babes with victory are croAvn'd, OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 151 Before the sword was drawn, or cruel strife Had shed its venom on the ills of life ? Perhaps Almighty God foresavv some vile, Some tempting evil that should them beguile, Of sore adversity, a dreadful storm, Or of dire wickedness, a monstrous form. How then in words which nothing can avail, Against that kind precaution dare you rail ? Remember that of them you're not bereav'd, But from " the coming evil they are sav'd." Anketell. OF FEAR. Timorous self-love, with sickning fancy's aid* Present the danger that you dread the most, And ever galls you in your tender part. Hence some for love, and some for jealousy, Have lost their reason : some for fear of want, Want all their lives; and others every day, For fear of dying, suffer worse than death. Is there an evil worse than fear itself J And what avails it, that indulgent Heaven From mortal eyes has wrapt the woes to come, If we ingenious to torment ourselves Grew pale at hideous fictions of our own > Armstrong. Fear has its origin in the apprehension of danger, and is kindly placed in man as a sentinel for self pre- servation. But like every other passion the excess of it is pernicious. Jf it be raised to the degree of terror the hairs are raised on end and the whole body put in- to horror and trembling. With some individuals it is apt to occasion diarrhoea, and in others, an involuntary discharge of urine. If the passion continues, the spirit9 are put into confusion, so that they cannot execute their 102 ON hygeine, or the art offices; the usual succours of reason fail, judgement is blinded, the powers of voluntary motion become weak, and the heart is! insufficient to maintain the circulation of the blood, which stagnating in the ventricles of the heart, causes swooning and sometimes sudden death. Don Diego Osorius, a Spaniard of a noble family, being in love with a young lady of the court, had pre- vailed with her for a private conference under the sha* dy boughs of a tree, that grew within the gardens of the King of Spain: but by the unfortunate barking of a little dog, their privacy Avas betrayed, and the young gentleman seized by so me nf the King's guard, was im- prisoned. It was a capital crime to be found in that place, and therefore he was condemned to die. He was so terrified at the hearing of his sentence, that one and the same night saw the same person young and all turn- ed grey, as in age. The jailor, moved at the sight, re- lated the accident to King Ferdinand? as a prodigy; who, thereupon, pardoned him, saying, " he had been sufficiently punished for his fault, seeing he had ex- changed the flower of his youth into the hoary hairs of age." The like happened to a dissipated youth, while he lay sick on his bed. He hearing the physicians despaired of his life, what Avith Avatching and the fear of death, all the hair on his head turned grey in the compass of one night. A lady near the time of her delivery, Avas ex- ceedingly frightened Avith the cry of fire at midnight \ and beholding the flames not far off, she presently com- plained of an extraordinary commotion of the infant. She went to bed and slept; but ere long, was taken with a strange and horrible kind of convulsion, of which she died within twelve hours after her fright. Mr.----, a Clergyman, about forty years of age, who was rather % weak man, happened to be drinking wine in jocular company, and by accident swallowed part of the seal of a letter which he had just received: one of his companions eeeiag him alarmed, sried out OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 1§3 in humour, " It will seal your bowels up." He be- came fiteiancholy from that instant, and in a day or two, refused to SAvalloAV any kind of nourishment. On being pressed to give a reason for his refusal, he ansAvered, he knew nothing wou^d pass through him; and though he was frightened into taking a little broth once or twice by threats, yet he soon ceased entirely to swalloAV any thing, and died in consequence of this insane idea. I kneAv a surgeon, says Dr. Darwin, who Avas always rather of a parsimonious disposition, had a large house, Avith a fortune of forty thousand pounds leftirim; and in a few weeks became insane from the fear of poAerty; la- menting that he would die in a jail, or in a Avork-house. He had left off a laborious country practice, and the daily perception of profit in his books, he also now saAV greater expenses going on in his neAv house, than he had been accustomed to observe, and did not so distinctly see the source of supply; which seems to have occasioned the maniacal hallucination. The fear of Hell, continues he, has also, in some instances, been attended with fatal effects. In this kind of madness, the poor patients frequently commit suicide; although they believe they run headlong into the very Hell, Avhich they dread! The miserable life bad men have, by reason of their continual fear of death, we have exemplified in Diony- sius the Tyrant of Syracuse, avIio finished his thirty- eight years rule in this manner : Removing his friends, he gave the custody of his body to some strangers and barbarians; and being in fear of barbers, he taught his daughters to shave him, and Avhen they Avere grown up he durst not trust them with a razor, but taught them Iioav they should burn oft* his hair and beard with the white films of Avalnut kernels. Not daring to speak io the people out of the4 conitnon rostrum or pul- pit for that purpose, he used to make orations to them from the top of a tower. On one occasion he gave his cloak and sword to a small boy wlnThi he loved, to hold for a feAV minutes, and when- one of his most familiar friends, had jestingly said, " You now put your life v i&it ON HYGETNE, or the art into his hands," and that boy smiled, he commanded them both to be slain, one for showing the way how he might be killed, and the other for approving it with a smile. At last overcome in battle by the Carthaginians, he perished, as might have been expected, by the treason of his oavii subjects. The rich Cardinal of Winchester, Henry Beaufort, Avho procured the death of the good Duke of Glouces- ter, was soon after struck with an incurable disease ; and understanding by his physicians, that he could not Jive, he expressed himself thus; " Fye, will not death Jre hired? will money do nothing? must I die that have such great riches ? If the Avhole realm of England Avould save my life, I am able, either by policy to get it, or by riches to buy it." But the king of terrors, is not to be bribed by gold; it is a pleasure to him to mix the brains of princes and politicians witli common dust; and hoAV \oth soever he Avas to depart, yet grim death would seize upon him, Hoav shocking must tbe summons be, 0 death! To him that is at ease in his possessions; Who counting on long years of pleasure here, Is quite unfurnish'd for the world to come? In that dread moment, how the frantic soul Raves round the walls of her clay tenement, Rushes to each avenue, and shrieks for help, But shrieks in vain---:--------:—■—■— —------,----------:-------/The foe, Like a staunch murderer, steady to his purpose, Pursues him close through every lane of life, TSqy misses once the track, but presses on; Till forc'd at last to the tremendous verge, ^t once he sinks to everlasting ruin, Blair. The king of Hungary being on a time very sad, his brother, a jolly courtier, would needs know of fciin what ajled him ;. 6i Oh brother" said he «I ImVe OF PRESERVING HEALTH^. 155 been a great sinner against God, and I fear to die$ and to appear before his tribunal." " These are" said his brother, " melancholy thoughts," and withal made a jest of them. The king replied nothing for the pre- sent ; but the custom of the country Avas, if the execu- tioner came and sounded the trumpet before any man?» door, he was presently to be led to execution. The king in the dead time of the night, sent the heads-men to sound the trumpet before his brother's door; avIio, hearing, it and seeing the messenger oFdeath, runs, pale, and trembling in his brothers presence, beseeching him to tell him wherein he offended, " Oh brother". replied the king, " you have never offended me; but is the sight of my executioners so dreadful ? And shall not I, that have greatly and grieAOusly offended God, fear not his, that must carry me before his judgement-seat ? The best remedy against this tottering state of tha soul, is a good conscience ; which if a man want, he will tremble in the midst of all his armed guards. Fools ! if you less provok'd your fears^ No more my spectre form appears. Death's but a path that must be trod^ If man would ever pass to God : A port of calms, a state of ease From the rough rage of sAvelling seas. Parnell. The virtuous soul pursues a nobler aim, And life regards but as a fleetiug dream : She longs to wake, and Avishes to get free, To launch from earth to eternity. For while the boundless theme extends our thoughts, Ten thousand thousand rolling years are naught. * Gay. Jerusalem being taken by the Christians, and God- frey of Bullen, made King of it, the Sultan of Egypt had prepared a great army, either to besiege it, or fight 156 ON HTOEINE, OR THE ART the Christians; who perceiving them unable to cope with so great a power, Avith great earnestness besought the assistance of Almighty God: then full of courage went to meet the enemy. The barbarians seeing them approach and come on so courageously, who they thought would not have the confidence so much as to look them in the face, that they never so much as thought of fight- ing, but running headlong in a disordered flight, they were slain by th^ Christians, as so many beasts, to th« number of an hundred thousand. Thou, to Avhom the Avorld unknown With all its shadoAvy shapes is shown; Who seest appall'd th' unreal scene, While fancy lifts the veil between: Ah, Fear! ah, frantic Fear! I see, I see thee near. I know thy hurried step, thy haggard eye! Like thee I start, like thee disorder'd fly, For, lo, what monsters in thy train appear. Collins. It is said of Epicurus, a profane teacher, that never was a school boy more afraid of a rod, than he was of the thought of a God and death. No man more feared the things which he taught should be despised, than himself. For whatever there is in the air, there is cer- tainly an elastical power in the concsience, that will bear itself up, notwithstanding all the weight that is laid upon it. Men may silence for a while the voice of their own conscience; but it will find a time to speak so loud as to be heard in despite of its oAvner. " He that commits a sin shall quickly find, The pressing guilt lie heavy on his mind; Tho' bribes or fa\*ors. should assert his cause. Pronounce him guiltless, and elude the laws ; None quits himself, his oavii impartial thought Will damn; and conscience will record the fault." OF PRESERVING HEAfcTH. 157 Theodoricus, king of the Goths, most treacherous- ly murdered two Roman senators, Symmachus, and Boethius, whom he had induced to visit him. Not long after their death there was set before him on the table at supper the head of a great fish ; there did he think he saAV the head of Symmachus with a horrible yawn- ing, and threatening him Avith flaming eyes. Immedi- ately therefore he caused himself to be carried to bed, a physician was sent for, but could not help him; he told his friends about him of that terrible resemblance of Symmachus wliich he had seen; and deploring his wicked cruelty, he soon after gave up the ghost. Attalus, king of Pergamus had slain his mother, and also his wife; for which he Avas so pursued with divine vengeance that he never after had a joyful •day; laying aside his royal ornaments, he put upon him a poor and sordid garment; he suffered the hair of his head and beard to grow ; he came not to show himself in public to the people; and there was nothing of mirth or feasting at his court. To conclude, he Avas so terrified with his conscience, that, yielding up the government of his kingdom, he betook himself to the employment of a gardener, digging up the earth, and sowing seed therein; to this he passed to the art of graving in brass, and therein spent his time. At last, he purposed to make a sepulchre for his mother; and being intent upon the Avork, through the vehement heat of the sun, he con- tracted a fever, Avhich terminated his existence in a few days. Catullus/governor of Lybia, fraudulently and un- justly put to death three thousand Jews, and confisca- ted their goods. Not long after he fell into a grievous disease, and was cruelly tormented, not on- ly in body but also in mind; for he was so greatly terrified, and still imagined he saw the ghost of them Avhom he had so unjustly slain, ready to kill him ; so that he cried out, and, not able to contain himself, leap- ed out of his bed, as though he had been tortured Avith torments and fire. And this disease daily increasing, he died in a most shocking manner. 158 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART The wretched state of king Richard the Third, after he had murdered his nepheAvs, is thus described by sir Thomas Moore: " I have heard," saith he, " by cre- dible reports that after this abominable deed he never had quiet in his mind, and never thought himself safe. When he went abroad, his eyes whirled about, his body was privily fenced, his hand ever on his dagger, his coun- teuance and manner like one who was ever ready to strike : he took no rest in the night, lay long waging and musing, sore wearied Avith care and watching, and rather slumbered than slept, troubled with fearful dreams: he sometimes started suddenly up, leaped out of his bed, and ran about the chamber: his restless heart was continually tossed and tumbled with the te- dious impression and stormy remembrance of his horrid and abominable deeds. Conscience, what art thou? thou mysterious poAv'r, That dost inhabit us without our leave, And art within ourselves another self, A master self, that loves to domineer ; And treat the monarch frankly as the slavey Hoav dost thou light a torch to distant deeds, Make the past, present, and the future frown: Hoav, ever and anon, awake the soul, As with a peal of thunder, to strange horrors! Shakspea re. A Pythagorean philosopher had bought a pair of shoes of a cobler; but having no money at present, desired him to stay for it till the morrow, and then he Avould return to pay him. He came with his money, according to agreement; and then heard that the cobler had just died; he therefore, Avithout mention of the money, de- parted with a secret joy for the unexpected gain he had made that day; but finding that his conscience would not suffer him to be quiet, he takes the money, goes to the cobler's shop, and casting in the money there; " Go thy ways," said he; "for though he is dead to all theAvorld besides, yet he is alive to me." OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 159 A good conscience is to the soul, what health is to the body. It preserves a constant ease and serenity within us, and more than countervails all the calamities and afflictions that can befall us. When the mind has been under the influence of sud- den surprise, or vehement attention to some interesting object, it has frequently suspended, and even entirely cured ague and fever, asthma, and other chronic dis- eases. An officer of great courage, who had contracted the asthma by long service in India, declares that dur- ing a most severe attack of that complaint, when he could scarcely breathe in an erect posture, and without power to move, as he thought, six yards, to save his life, the alarm guns were fired for the Avholeline to turn out, because the Marratts had broke into the camp. KnoAv- ing that certain death would be his portion, if he re- mained in his tent, he sprung out with an alacrity that amazed his attendants, instantly mounted his horse, and with great ease drew Ms sword, which the day before he could not move from its scabbard, though he had used his whole strength in the attempt. From the instant of the alarm, the debility left liim, together with the asthma, nor did the disorder return for some time after. A lady who was affected Avith the tertian ague, Avas so terrified by the explosion of a bomb, which was fired off during the fit, that she fainted aAvay. Slight cordials AVere immediately administered, and she soon recovered from her state of weakness without any appearance of fever, wliich had afterAvards no return. A young lady who had a quartan ague for several months successively, was invited by some of her ac- quaintance to take an excursion on the Avater, with a view to dissipate the melancholy ideas occasioned by her illness; but they had scarcely got into the boat when it began to sink, and all Avere terribly shocked with the dread of perishing. After escaping this dan- ger, the patient found herself cured, and she had no re^ turn of the ague. 160 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART A man of a hot, moist constitution, being suddenly seized in very warm weather, with an internal cold, died within eighteen hours Avithout the least agitation, or any of the convulsions that accompany the agony of death. His friends, surprised at so sudden and fatal an accident, requested the physician who had attended him to open his body, which he did, and found that he died of a mortification. He Avas an extraordinary fat subject, and Avhat was very remarkable, his bones were as small as those of a young girl, and his muscles extremely weak, and rather membranous than fleshy. While the physican Avas dissecting the body, and pointing out the cause of his death, a brother of the deceased, of a like habit and constitution, who had been absent several years, entered the room of a sudden; and, hearing the detail of the cir- cumstances of his death, of which he saw the cause in so extraordinary conmfiration, he became speechless, and fell into a fainting fit, from Avhich neither cordials or any other means employed in such cases, could recover him. The patient seemed to have neither pulse nor respiration, his body all over Avas in a cold sweat; his limbs began to grow stiff; and in short he appeared to be dying.— The physician considering him a dead man, observed and fortunately rather in a loud voice, ulet us replace the parts of the dead body we have dissected, and sew it up. In the mean time the other will be quite dead, and I will dis- sect him also." He had scarcely uttered these words, when the gentleman in the fainting fit started up from the bed, roaring out prodigiously loud, snatched up his cloak, took to his heels as if nothing had happened to him; and since that time he has enjoyed a good state of health. I have, frequently observed, says the ingenious author of the Medical Extracts.delicate hysterical Avomen^Avho, for many months, had seldom enjoyed one day's health, suddenly relieved from every complaint, when a favorite child Avas attacked with a disease, in which danger was apprehended; and they continued in appearance, to be in perfect health, during the whole course of the illness, and exhibited an unusual alertness in discharging their duty as nurse and parents. But when they under- G£F PRESERVING HEALTH. 161 stood that the danger was over, their former complaint gradually returned, to their great surprise ; for from the health they had lately enjoyed, and for so considerable a time, they believed themserv-es perfectly cured. Through a most criminal inattention to children in the nursery, a foundation is sometimes laid in their tender minds for those superstitious terrors, from which not all their efforts in subsequent life can entirely relieve them. I allude to those dismal stories about witches, spirits, hobgoblins, Raw-head and Bloody Bones, wherewith silly nurses, especially poor blacks, are so fond of frightening iufants. Considering the importance of deep impressions made during those tender years, parents cannot too strictly forbid every thing of this sort; neither can they ever exceed in their generous labours to illu- minate the minds of their children Avith lofty ideas of their Creator, and that mighty power which he will never fail to exert in their favour, if they will but be good. Timorous persons are more readily infected by con- tagious disorders, than those possessed of fortitude.— Hence it is we find nurses most frequently escape conta- gion, Avhile persons of a fearful disposition contract the disease on entering the chamber of the sick only once or twice. Persons under a violent fit of fear, should be treated like those who suffer from any other spasmodic contrac- tion. Tea, a little wine, or spirits and water may be given to them : vinegar, lavender-drops, or spirits of hartshorn may be held to the nostrils; warm bathing of the feet, and emollient injections may be of advantage: but above all, the mind ought to be duly composed.— Excessive bashfulness borders on fear; it may be cor- rected by social intercourse with persons of a cheerful disposition. AV 162 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART OF ANGER. Whew reason, like a skilful character, Gan break the fiery passions to the bit, And, spite of their licentieus sallies, keep The radiant track of glory,—passions, then, Are aids and ornaments. Younc Resentment of wrong is a useful principle in human nature ; and for the wisest purposes was implanted in our frame. It Ls the necessary guard of private rights ; and the great restraint on the insolence of the violent, who, if no resistance were made, would trample on the gentle and peaceable. But, in the fulness of self-esti- mation, we are too apt to forget Avhat we are. We are rigorous to offences, as if we did not daily entreat hea. ven for mercy. It is a vice that few persons are able to conceal; for if it do not betray itself by external signs, such as sudden paleness of the countenance, and trem- bling of the joints, it is more impetuous within. This headstrong and impetuous affection of the mind, is well described by some of the ancients to be a short madness. It is a disease that, wheresoever it prevails, is no less dangerous than deforming to us ; it swells the face; inflames the blood ; and like the mischievous evil spirit in the Gospel, that threw the possessed noAv into the fire, and then into the Avater, it casts us into all kind of dangers, and frequently hurries us into the chambers of death itself. Ccelius, the orator, was certainly the most passionate of mortals ; for having asked his client divers questions, and he agreeing with him in all things he questioned him about; in a great heat he cried out in open court, " say something contrary to me, that so Ave may quar- rel." How could he possibly endure an injury, who was not able to bear obsequiousness itself? Montagne, in his Essays, gives us a story which he remembered to be current when he was a boy, of a OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 163 neighbouring king, who, having received u blow from Ihe hand of God, swore he would be revenged, and in order to it, made proclamation, that for ten years to come, no one should pray to him, or so much as men- tion him throughout his dominions. "By which," says Jie, " we are not so much to take measure of the folly, as the vain-glory of the nation, Spain, of wliich this tale was told." Those who feel the approach of anger in their mind, should, as much as possible, divert their attention from the object of provocation, and remain silent. They should never use loud oaths, violent upbraidings, or strong expressions of countenance, or gesticulations of the arms, or clinched fists; as these, by their former as- sociations with anger, Avill contribute to increase «it. I have been told, says Dr. Darwin, of a serjeant or cor- poral, who began moderately to cane his soldiers, when they were awkward in their exercise; but being addict- ed to sAvearing and coarse language, he used soon to enrage himself by his own expressions of anger, till to- ward the end he Avas liable to beat the delinquents un- mercifully. Is this not applicable to some of us, in the treatment of our slaves ? A gentleman in NeAV-Castle county, Delaware, was eo enraged Avith a neighbouring slave, for persevering, contrary to his orders, to visit a female servant in his fa- mily, that he bought him of his master at a high price, tor the express purpose of getting satisfaction', that is, to give him a,severe flogging, and then to sell him to a negro-buyer. What with the bitter curses and blows he inflicted on the poor felloAV, tied hands and feet, his anger rose at length to a flame which he could not con- troul; and by the time the master had lost the power to inflict, the poor slave had lost the power to suffer—hav- ing literally expired under his cruel hands. A sea-captain in Charleston, South-Carolina, navi- gated his vessel Avith the help of three slaves. On some provocation from one of them, he laid hold of the offen der, who Avas so alarmed at his master's looks, that he jerked away from him—Roused to fury by such an act of treason as this appeared to him, the master caught up a 161) ON UYGEINE, OR THE ART broad axe, and with the looks and scream of a demon, ordered his other slaves " to seize the d—d villain." Frighted out of their wits, they seized their fellow-ser- vant, and the master, black with rage, and regardless of his prayers and supplications, had him dragged to a block, and in a most barbarous manner struck off his head. Although the laws of the land did not sentence these inhuman masters to death, yet neither of them long sur- vived their infernal acts. The gnaAvings of a blood- stained conscience soon brought them doAvn to the grave. A young gentleman in Augusta, Georgia, going to a party in the neighbourhood, in a gig, had not got out of the street, before his horse baulked. The youth leaping from his gig, and angrily catching his horse by the bridle, led him off. Having mounted his gig, he crack- ed his whip for a second start, but his horse had not gone many steps, before he unfortunately fell back again. Leaping from the gig in a violent rage, he struck his horse over the head, Avith his loaded whip, and then at- tempted to lead him off once more. Frighted by such violence, the animal, in place of moving forward, dreAV back. Enraged by such obstinacy, the young man re- peated his blows with the whip until it broke, which rather increased the perturbation of his mind. By this time finding himself surrounded by unwelcome specta- tors of his brutal conduct, he became more furious ; and snatching'a large club, with all hell in his face, con- tinued his unmerciful blows, until he brought the horse to the ground ; when, after a few struggles, his blood and brains flowing copiously, the poor animal soon ex- pired. Pale and trembling Anger rushes in, WTith fait'ring speech, and eyes that wildly stare ; Fierce as the tiger, madder than the seas, Desperate, and armed Avith more than human strength. He Avhom Anger stings, drops, if he dies, At once, and rushes apoplectic down ; Or a fierce fever hurries him to hell. Armstrong. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 165 A gentleman being greatly incensed against his servant, drew his sword-cane Avith intention to run him through his body. Two or three of his friends being present, laid hold of the gentleman, and took away the sword, that he might not pollute his hauds with the blood of his servant. While he was thus in their hands, the gentle- man through extreme anger fell into an apoplexy, which terminated his existence. Victor Pisanus, the Venitian admiral, famous for his exploits, understanding that his vice-admiral, through cowardice, had suffered ten ships of the Genoese to es • cape out of the Sipontine haven; fell into such a pas- sion, as put him immediately into a fever, whereof he died. Solomon, sensible of the destructive tendencies of ungovernable passions, says, " Wrath slayeth the an- gry man, and envy killeth the silly one ; and that the wicked shall not live out half their days." For, as vi- olent gales of wind will soon wreck the strongest ships, so violent passions will soon destroy the best constitu- tions. And one unquiet disposition distempers the peace of a whole family or society, as one jarring in- strument Avill spoil a whole concert. There is no man obliged to live so free from passion, as not in some cases to shoAV some resentment, so that the injurer may not be encouraged to commit a second injury ; but this should be done in a cool and deliberate manner, and to cany with it nothing like revenge. It was a good method observed by Socrates ; when he found in him- self any disposition to anger, he Avould check it by speaking low, in opposition to the motions of his dis- pleasure. The augry man is his OAvn severest tormentor; his breast knows no peace, while his raging passions are restrained by no sense of either moral or religious duties. To prove that passion is exorbitant in its demands, Avhat proportion, for instance, is there betAveen the life of a man, and an affront received, or supposed to be given by some unguarded expression. How fantastic, 1G6 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART then, how unjustifiable, are those supposed laws of modern honour, Avhich, for such an affront, requires no less reparation than the death of a fellow-creature; and which, to obtain this reparation, requires a man to endanger his OAvn life ? Laws which, as they have no foundation in reason, never received the least sanction from any wise or polished nations of antiquity, but were devised in the darkest ages of the world, and are derived to us from the ferocious barbarity of Goths and Vandals. Who is there, were he to behold his enemy during that conflict which human nature must suffer at the last, but must feel relentings at that enmity which hath deprived another of existence? " There is the man with whom I contended, silent and mute for ever ! Hoav poor is the advantage which I noAV enjoy! He is fallen, and 1 am about to follow him ! In a short time we shall be laid together ! Had he not his virtues and good qualities, as well as I? When we shall both appear before the judgment-seat of God, shall I he found innocent and free of blame for all the enmity I have borne to him ?" My'friends, let the anticipation of such sentiments serve now to cool the heat of anger, and allay the fierce- ness of resentment. Let us look upon this Avorld as a state of trial. Elevated by such sentiments, our minds will become calm and sedate. We shall look down, as from a superior station, oh the petty strifes of this world. They are the selfish, the sensual, and the vain, Avho are most subject to the undue influence of passion. They are linked so closely to the world, by so many sides they touch every object, and every person around them, that they are perpetually hurt, and perpetually hurting others. But the spirit of true religion re- moves us to a proper distance from the grating objects of Avorldly contention. It leaves us sufficiently con- nected with the world, for acting our part in it with propriety ; but disengages us from it so far as to weak- en its power of disturbing our tranquillity. It inspires magnanimity; and magnanimity always breathes gen- tleness. It leads us to view the follies of men with pity, and not with rancour ; and to treat, with the mild* OF PRESERVING HEALTH. i67 ncss of a superior nature, what, in little minds, Avould call forth all the bitterness of passion. Every man knoAvs how to row in a calm; and an in- different pilot will serve to direct the course of a ship when the season is quiet and serene; but the conduct of that governor is most praise-worthy, who knows how to steer his vessel aright when the winds are enraged, and a furious tempest has put the tumultuous waves into a vehement commotion. In like manner it is small commendation to appear mild, when nothing is said or done to displease us ; but to repress our rising passions, and to keep down our resentments in the midst of in- jurious provocations, is a victory greater and more de- serving of praise, than perhaps the greatest conquerors ever merited. Forgiveness of injuries, and a merciful disposition towards those Avho have offended us, is not only an in- fallible mark of a great and noble mind, but it is out indispensable duty as reasonable creatures, and pecu- liarly so as christians. Gaston, Marquis de Renty, an illustrious nobler man, was a soldier and a christian: and had a peculiar felicity to reconcile the seeming opposition between those characters. He had a command in the French army, and had the misfortune to receive a challenge from a person of distinction in the same ser- vice. The marquis returned for answer, that he Avas ready to convince the gentleman that he Avas in the wrong ; or, if he could not convince him, was as ready to ask his pardon. The other, not satisfied with this reply, insisted upon his meeting him with the sAvord; to which the marquis sent this answer: that he was re- solved not to do it, since God and his king had for- bidden it; othenvise, he Avould have him know that all the endeavours he had used to pacify him, did not proceed from any fear of him, but of Almighty God, and his displeasure: that he should go every day about his usual business, and if he did assault him, he Avould make him repent it. The angrAj man, not able to provoke the marquis to a duel, and meeting him one day by chance^ dreAT his sword aud attacked him : the 168 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART marquis soon Avounded and disarmed both hiin and his second, with the assistance of a servant who attended him. But then did this truly Christian nobleman sIioav the difference betwixt a brutish and a christian courage: for, leading them to his tent, he refreshed them with wine and cordials, caused tlieir wounds to be dressed, and their swords to be restored to them; then dismiss- ed them Avith christian and friendly advice : and Avas never heard to mention the affair afterwards, even to his nearest friends. It was a usual saying with this great man, that there was more true courage and gene- rosity in bearing and forgiving an injury, for the love of God, than in requiting it with another : in suffering, rather than revenging; because the thing Avas really more difficult: adding, that bulls and bears had courage enough, but it was a brutal courage; whereas that of men should be such as became rational beings and christians." A quarrel having arisen betAveen a celebrated gentle- man in the literary world and one of his acquaintance, the latter heroically, and no less laconically, concluded a letter to the former, on the subject of the dispute, with, e I have a life at your service, if you dare to take it." To which the other replied, u You say you have a life at my service, if I dare to take it. I must confess to you, that 1 dare not take it: I thank my God, that I have not the courage to take it. But though I own that I am afraid to deprive you of your life, yet, Sir, permit me to assure you, that I am equally thankful to the Al* mighty Being, for mercifully bestowing on me sufficient resolution, if attacked, to defend my own." This un- expected kind of reply had the proper effect: it brought the madman back again to reason ; friends intervened, and the affair was compromised. Sir Walter Raleigh, a man of knoAvn courage and honour, being very injuriously treated by a hot-headed, rash youth, who next proceeded to challenge him, and, on his refusal, spit upon him, and that, too, in public ; the knight, taking out his handkerchief, Avith great ealmness made him only this reply; " Young man, if I OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 169 could as easily Avipe your blood from my conscience, as I can this injury from my face, I would this moment take away your life." The consequence was, that the youth, struck with a sudden and strong sense of his mis- behaviour, fell upon his knees, and begged forgiveness. There Avas an uncivil fellow, that did nothing all the day long but rail against Pericles, the famous Athenian, in the market-place, and before all the people: and though Pericles was at that time the public magistrate, yet he took no notice of it, but all the while dispatched sundry matters of importance, till night came; and then, with a sober pace, Avent home towards his house,jLhis varlet folloAving him all the way with abuse. Pericles, when he came to his house, it being dark, called to his man, and bade him light the fellow home, lest it being night he should lose his way. When Xenocrates came one time to the house of Plato to visit him, he prayed him, " that he Avould beat his servant for him, in regard he himself was not at present so fit to do it, because he was in a passion." Another time he said to one of his servants, " That he would beat him sufficiently, but that he was angry." King Robert was one of the greatest kings that ever wore the crown of France. He once surprised a rogue who had cut away half of his cloak, furred with ermine, to whom he did no further evil, but only said mildly to him, " Save thyself, and leave the rest for another Avho may haAe need of it." Casimir was duke of the Sendominians, a poteni prince, and afterwards king of Poland : being on a time in a humour to divert himself, he called to him one Jo- hannes Cornarius, a knight, and his domestic servant, inviting him to play at dice ; they did so, and fortune was equally favourable : and so that having spent much time in gaining little upon each other, and it being groAving far in the night, it was agreed to set the whole sum in controversy upon one single cast of the die. Casimir proved fortunate, and won all the money. Johannes, displeased and incensed with his bad for- x 170 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART tune, in the heat of his impatience falls upon the prince, and with his fist struck him over the mouth. It was a capital crime for the servant to strike his lord, and the same also his prince : but though all present were in- censed at this insufferable action, yet he escaped by the benefit of the night, but Avas seized in the morning, brought back, and set in the presence of Casimir, to receive his sentence. He having well weighed the mat- ter, broke into this Avise speech. " My friends, this man is less guilty than myself: nay, whatever ill is done, is on my part. Heat and sudden passion, which sometimes oversways even Avise men did transport him ; and*tnoved both his mind and hand to do as he did. But Avhy did I give the cause ? Why, unmindful of my oavii dignity, did I play Avith him as my equal ? And therefore, Johannes, take not only thy pardon, but my thanks too : by a profitable correction thou hast taught me, that hereafter I should do nothing umvorthy of a prince, but retain myself within the just limits of de- cency and gravity." This said, he freely dismissed him. Arcadius, an Argive, never gave over reviling of king. Philip of Macedon, abusing him Avith the most re- proachful terms ; and arrived at last to that bold impu- dence, as to give him this kind of public Avarning, So far to fly, until he hither came, Where no man knew or heard of Philip's name. This man Avas afterwards seen in Macedonia. Then the friends and courtiers of king Philip gave him in- formation thereof, moving him to inflict some severe punishment ufkm him, and in no case suffer him to es- cape his hands. But Philip, on the contrary, having this railer in his power, spake gently unto him, used him courteously and familiarly, sent unto him in his lodging gifts and presents, and so sent him away in safety. Afterwards he commanded those courtiers who had incited him against him, to inquire what Avords this man gave out of him amongst the Greeks. They made report again, and told him, that he was become a new OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 171 man, and ceased not to speak wonderful things in the praise of him. « Look you, then," said Philip unto them, " amrnot I a better physician than all you ? and am not11 more skilled in the cure of a foul-mouthed fellow than the best of you ?" Clinias, the Pythagorean, Avas a person very different both in his life and manners from other men. If it chanced at any time that he was influenced with anger, he would take his harp, play upon, and sing to it; saying, as oft as he was asked the cause of his so doing, " That by this means he found himself reduced to the temper of his former mildness." There is a charm, a power that sways the breast, Bids every passion revel or be still; Inspires with rage, or all your cares dissolves; Can sooth distraction, and almost despair: That power is Music.----------------- Armstrong. While the physician prescribes draughts for curing bodily diseases, an able musician might prescribe an air for rooting out a vicious passion. Asclepiades, a noble physician, as often as he had frenetic patients, or such as were unhinged, or evil af- fected in their minds, did make use of nothing so much for the cure of them, and restoration of their health, as music-and sweet harmony of voices. ^ At such time as the tyrant Eugenius raised that perils ous war in the East, and that money grew short with the emperor Theodosius, he determined to raise subsi- dies, and to gather from all parts more than before he had ever done; the citizens of Antioch bore this exac- tion Avith so ill a will, that after they had uttered many outrageous words against the emperor, they pull- ed down his statues and those also of the empress his Avife. A while after when the heat of their fury was; past, they began to repent themselves of their folly, and considered into what danger they had cast themselves and their city. Then did they curse their rashness, confess their fault, implore the goodness of God, and 17# ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART that with tears, " That it would please him to calm the emperor's heart." Their supplications and prayers were solemnly sung, with sorroAvful tunes and lament- ing voices. Their bishop, Flavianus, employed himself valiantly, in this needful time, in behalf of the city; made a journey to Theodosius, and did his utmost to appease him : but finding himself rejected, and knowing that the emperor was devising some grievous punishment; and on the other side, not having the boldness to speak again, and yet much troubled in his thoughts because of his people, then came this device into his head* At such time as the emperor sat at meat certain young boys were Avont to sing musically unto him. Flavianus, wrought so, that he obtained of those that had charge of the boys, that they Avould suffer them to sing the supplications and prayer of the city of Antioch. Theo- dosius, listening to that grave music, Avas so moved with it, and so toifched with compassion, that having then the cup in his hand, he Avith his Avarm tears, watered the Avine that was in it, and forgetting all his conceived dis- pleasure against the Antiochians, freely pardoned them and their city. Concerning the efficacy and poAver of music, I am desirous, says the Rev. Nathaniel Wanley, to set down what I myself saAv practised upon Madame de la March, a gentleAVoman near to Garet, young, virtuous, and passable for beauty, avIio upon report of her husband's inclination to change, and inconstant affections, fell into such a itiry, that on the sudden she Avould throw her- self into the fire, or out of the AvindoAV, or into a fish- pond near her house, out of which she had been twice rescued : and so was more diligently kept. The phy- sicians attended her to no purpose, notwithstanding all their endeavours ; but a Capuchin passing that Avay to crave alms, and hearing what had befallen her, advised that some skilful and experienced person on the lute should continue to play by her; and that in the night some pleasing ditties should consort with the music: it Avas accordingly performed, and in less than three months the violent passion forsook her, and she remain- ed sound both in body and mind. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 173 Music exalts each joy, allays each grief, Expels diseases, softens every pain, Subdues the rage of poison, and the plague; And hence the wise of ancient days ador'd One power of Physic—Melody and Song. Armstrong. When Apollonius was inquisitive of Canus, a Rho- dian musician, "What he could do with his instru- ment ?" he told him that " he could make a melancholy man merry, and him that was merry, much merrier than he was before; a lover more enamoured; and a religious man more devout. Timotheus, a Melisian, was so excellently skilled in music, that when he played and sung a song composed in honour of Pallas, in the presence of Alexander the Great, the prince, as one transported with the gallantry and martial humour of the air, started up, and being stirred in every part, called for his armour ; but then again the musician changing into more sedate and calm- er notes, sounding as it were a retreat, the prince also sat quiet and still. What shall we say of Stradilla, the celebrated compo- ser whose music made the daggers drop from the hands of his assassins! Stradilla having carried off the mistress of a Venitian musician, and retired with her to Rome the Venitian hired three desperadoes to assassinate him; but fortunately for Stradilla they had an ear sensible to harmony. These assassins, while waiting for a fa- vourable opportunity'to execute their purpose, entered the church of St. John de Latran, during the perform- ance of an oratorio, composed by the person whom they intended to destroy, and were so affected by the music, that they abandoned their design, and even waited on (he musician to forewarn him of his danger. 174 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART OF HATRED. Internal Malice, inly pining Hate, And Envy grieving at another's state : When these are in the human bosom nurst, Can peace reside in dwellings so accurst ? Hamilton. Hatred is a Fury that never sleeps ; it ulcerates the soul, and tortures it throughout. Hence it never fails to injure the body. As admiration, the first of the passions, rises in the soul before she has considered whether the thing repre- sented to her be good, or convenient to her, ornot; so, after she has judged it to be good, there is raised in her the most agreeable and complacent of all passions, Love; and when she hath conceived the same to be evil, she is quickly moved to Hatred, which is nothing but the soul's aversion to that which threatens pain or grief, and may be defined to be " a commotion produ- ced by the spirits, that inciteth the soul to be willing to be separated from objects that are represented to her as ungrateful and hurtful;" wliich definition only respects pure nature; but through the corruption of men and manners, it may be said to arise from an imbibed pre- judice, or envy aggravated by continuance, and height- ened by a malicious intention of malignancy and in- juring the persons to whom we have a disaffection, and that too without any reason but what proceeds from a self-contracted wickedness. Anger is sometimes al- io Avable, and when excessive, is still called but the vice of men ; but hatred is said to be the sin of devils, be- ing not confined at home, but roves abroad, seeking whom it may devour. Timon the Athenian had the surname of Man-hater: he was once very rich, but through his liberality and over-great bounty, was reduced to extreme poverty; in which condition he had large experience of the malice and ingratitude of such as he had formerly served; he therefore fell into a vehement hatred of mankind; Ava* OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 175 glad of all tlieir misfortunes, and promoted the ruin of all men as far as he might Avith his OAvn safety. When the people, in honour of Alcibiades, attended on him home, as they used Avhen he had obtained a cause, Ti- mon would not, as he used to others, turn aside out of the Avay, but met him on purpose, and said, i( Go on, my son, and prosper, for thou shalt one day plague all these with some signal calamity." He built him a house in the fields, that he might shun the converse of men. He admitted to him only one Apemantus, a person much of his own humour, and he saying to him, " Is not this a * fine supper ?" " It Avould," said he, " he much better if thou wert absent." Timon gave orders that his sepul- chre should be set behind a dunghill, and this to be his epitaph: Here now I lie, after my wretched fall; Ask not my name, the gods destroy you all. Mison Avas of like manners with Timon, and had his name from the hatred he had to all men : Avhenever he was conversant among men, he was always sad: but when he was in any solitude, or place by himself, he was used to laugh and rejoice. Being asked, why he laughed when nobody was present? "for that very reason," said he. When Sigismund, Marquis Brandenburgh, had ob- tained the kingdom of Hungary in right of his wife, it then appeared there Avas a mortal hatred betwixt the Hungarians and Bohemians ; for when Sigismund com- manded Stephanus Konth, ancl with him twenty more Hungarian knights, to be taken and brought before him in chains, as persons that had declined the obedience they owed him; not one of all these would name or honour him in the least as their king; and before either they or their servants would change their minds, they were desirous to lose their heads. Among the servants Avas Chiotza, the page of Stephanus, who sadly be- wailed the death of his master; and whereas, by rea- son of his tender age, the king made him divers pro- mises ; and to comfort him, told him,, " that he would make him as a servant about his OAvn person," Chiotza, 176 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART with a troubled countenance, and in terms that testified at once both anger and hatred, replied, " that he would never subject himself to the service of a Bohemian swine; and in this obstinacy of mind he died. Cato the censor bore such a hatred to the female sex, that it was his common saying, " that if the world was without women, the conversation of men would not be exempt from the company of the Gods." Hyppolitus, Avas also of the same complexion, as he * expresses himself in Seneca : I hate, fly, curse, detest them all: Call't reason, nature, madness, as you please; In a true hatred of them there's some ease, First shall the water kindly dwell with fire, Dread Syrtis be the mariner's desire : Out of the west shall be the break of day, And rabid wolves with tender lambkins play, Before a Avoman gain my conquered mind, To quit this hatred, and to grow more kind. When the emperor Frederick had newly obtained a most signal victory in Hungary, he made a speech to his soldiers, whereof this was a part: " We have done," said he, " a great work, and yet there is a great er that still remains for us to do; which is, to overcome ourselves, and to put an end at once to our covetous- ness, and the desire of rfevenge." Thus great and ge- nerous souls are ever found to be the most placable, and are easiest appeased ; Avhile the weak and fearful are guilty of the greatest barbarities, as not knowing hoAV to allot any measure or bounds to their anger. A certain Italian having his enemy in his power, told him there was no possible way for him to save his life, unless he Avould immediately deny and renounce his Sa- viour. The timorous wretch, in hope of mercy, did it; when the other forthwith stabbed him to the heart, say- ing that now he had a full revenge, for he had killed at ©nee both his body and soul. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 177 In the isle of Majorca, there Avas a lord of a castle, who, amongst others, kept a negro slave; and, for some fault of his, had beaten him Avith severity. The vil- lain Moor, watching his opportunity, when his master and the rest were absent, shut the door against him, and, at his return, thus acted his revenge : while his mas- ter stood without, demanding entrance, he reviled him, violated his lady, threAV her and two of his children out of the castle window, and stood ready to do the like with the third and youngest child. The miserable fa- ther, who had beheld the ruin of all his family but this one, begged of his slave to save the life of that little one 5 which the cruel slave refused, unless he would cut off his own nose. The fond parent accepted the condition, and had no sooner performed it, than the bloody villain first cast the infant doAvn headlong, and then himself, in a barbarous bravery, thereby to elude the vengeance of his abused master. As I went from Rome with my company, says Camerarius, passing through the marquisate of An^ cona, we were to go through a city called Terni. As we entered the city, Ave saw over the gate, upon a high toAver, a certain tablet, to Avhich Avere fastened, as at first it seemed to us, a great many bats or reer-mice; we thinking it a strange sight, and not'knoAving what it meant, one of the city, whom Ave asked^told us thus: < There was,' says he, < in this city two noble, rich, and mighty houses, which for a long-time bore an irrecon- rile&hle hatred one against the other; their malice pass- » ed from father to son, as it were by inheritance, by oc- casion of which many of both houses were slain and murdered. At last, the one house, not many years since, resolved to stand no more upon murdering one or tAvo of the adverse party by surprise, but to run upon them all at once, and not to leave one of them alive. This bloody family secretly gathered together, out of the country adjoining, with their servants, and such other bravoes as many Italians keep in pay to employ in the execution of their revenges; these were privily armed, and had notice to be ready at a word. About midnight they seize upon the person of the governor of 178 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART the city, and leaving guards in his house, go on silently to the house of their enemy, disposing troops at the end of every street. About ten of them take the governor in the midst of them, as if they had been the archers of his guard; whom they compelled, by setting a poniard to his throat, to command speedy entrance. He caused the doors to be opened; they seeing the governor there, made no refusal; which done, they call their accom- plices that stood not far off, put the governor* into the safe-keeping, enter, and kill man, woman, and child, and the very horses in the stable. That done, they forced the governor to command the city gates to be opened, and so they departed, and dispersed into pri- vate places amongst their friends ; some fled to the next seaports, and so got far off; but such as staid near, Avere so diligently searched for, that they were found, drawn out of their holes, and put to death Avith grievous tortures; after which, their hands and feet being cut off, were nailed to the tablet,' saith he, < which you saAv as you came along, as a lesson to posterity. The sun having broiled those limbs so fastened, makes travel- lers, that know nothing of the tragedy, suppose they are reer-mice.' In the year 1506, in Lisbon, upon the tenth day of April, many of the city went to the cliurch of St. Do- minick, to hear mass: on the left side of the church there is a chapel, much reverenced by those of the country, and called Jesus' Chapel. Upon the altar there stands a crucifix, the wound of whose side is covered with a piece of glass. Some of those that came thither to do their devotions, casting tlieir eyes upon this hole, it seemed to them that a kind of glimmering light came forth of it: then happy he that could first cry a miracle ; and every one said that " God showed the testimonies of his presence." A Jew, that was but lately become a Christian there, denied that it was any miracle, saying, « It Avas not likely that out of a dry piece of wood there should come such a light." Now albeit many of the standers-by doubted of the miracle, yet, hearing a Jcav deny it, they began to murmur, OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 179 calling him a Avicked apostate, a detestable enemy to Jesus Christ; and, after they had sufficiently reviled him with words, all the multitude, foaming with anger, fell upon him, plucked off the hair of his head and beard, trod upon him, trailed him into the church-yard, beat him to death, and, kindling a great fire, cast the dead body into it. All the residue of the people ran to this mutinous company: there a certain friar preached a sermon, wherein he vehemently urged his auditors to revenge the injury that our Lord had received. The people, mad enough of themselves, were more incensed by this exhortation. Besides this, two other friars took and held up a cross as high as they could, crying out, " Revenge heresy ! down with wicked heresy, and des- troy the wicked nation!" Then, like hungry dogs, they fell upon the miserable Jews, cut the throats of a great number, and dragged them, half dead, to the fires, many of which they made for the purpose. They regarded neither age nor sex, but murdered men, women, and children; they broke open doors, rushed into rooms, dashed out children's brains against the walls: they went insolently into churches, to pluck out thence the little children, old men, and young maidens, that had taken hold of the altars, the crosses, and images of saints; crying, Misericordia ! 6 Mercy! mercy!' there they either murdered them presently, or threw them out alive into the fire. Many that carried the port and show of Jews, found themselves in great danger; and some Avere killed, and others wounded, before they could make proof that they had no relation to them. Some that bore a grudge to others, as they met them, did but 1 ry f Jews !' and they Avere presently beaten down, without having liberty or leisure to answer for them- selves. The magistrates Avere not so hardy as to op- pose themselves against the fury of the people; so that, in three days, the cut-throats killed above two thousand Jewish persons. The king, understanding the news of this horrible massacre, was extremely angry, and sud- denly despatched aAvay officers Avith full power to punish so great offences ; Avho caused a great number of the seditious to be executed. The friars that had 180 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART lift up the cross and animated the people to murder^ Avere degraded, and afterwards hanged and burnt. The magistrates that had been slack to repress this riot, were some put out of office, and others fined; the city also was disfranchised of many privileges and honours. In the year 1572 was the bloody Parisian mattins, wherein was spilt so much Christian blood, that it flowed through the streets like rain-water, in great abundance; and this butchery of men, women, and children, continued so long, that the principal rivers in the kingdom Avere seen covered with murdered bodies ; and their streams so died and stained with human blood, that they Avho dwelt far from the place where this barbarous act was committed, abhorred the water of those rivers, and re- fused to use it, or to eat of the fish taken therein, for a long time after. This tragedy was thus cunningly plot- ted. A peace Avas made Avith the protestants : for the assurance Avhereof, a marriage was solemnized betAveen Henry of Navarre, chief, of the protestant party, and the lady Margaret, the king's sister. At this wedding there assembled the prince of Conde, the admiral Co- ligni, and divers others of chief note; but there was not so much wine drank as blood shed at it. At mid- night the Avatch-bell rung ; the king of Navarre and the prince of Conde were taken prisoners ; the admiral murdered in his bed, and thirty thousand, at the least, of the most potent men of the protestant religion, sent by the way of the Red Sea, to find the nearest passage to the land of Canaan. In the reign of Edward VI. upon the alteration of religion, there was an insurrection in Cornwall and di- vers other counties, wherein many Avere taken and ex- ecuted by martial laAv. The chief leaders were sent to London, and there executed. The sedition being thus suppressed, it is memorable Avhat cruel revenge or sport Sir William Kingston, provost-marshal, made by vir- tue of his office, upon men in misery. One Boyer, mayor of Bodmin in Cornwall, had been amongst the rebels, not Avillingly, but enforced; to him the provost OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 181 sent word that he Avould come and dine with him, for Avhom the mayor made great provision. A little before dinner the provost took the mayor aside, and whispered him in the ear, 6 That an execution must that day be done in the town, and therefore required that a galloAvs should be set up against dinner should be over.' The mayor failed not of his charge; presently after dinner the provost taking the mayor by the hand, desired him to lead him to the place where the galloAvs Avas, which, Avhen he beheld, he asked the mayor, (If he thought it to be strong enough ?' i Yes,' said the mayor, i doubtless it is.' < Well, then,' said the provost, < get you up speedily, for it is provided for you.' (I hope,' answered the mayor, tfyou mean not as you speak!' i In faith,' said the provost, ' there is no remedy, for you have been a busy rebel:' and so without respite or defence he Avas hanged. Near the said place dwelt a miller, who had been a busy actor in that rebellion, Avho, fearing the approach of the marshal, told a sturdy fellow, his servant, that he had occasion to go from home, and therefore, if any came to inquire for the miller, h& should not speak of him, but say that he was the miller, and had been so for three years before. So the provost came, and called for the miller, when out comes the servant, and said ' he was the man.' The provost demanded, ' Hoav long he had kept the mill ?' »' These three years,' answered the servant: then the provost commanded his men to lay hold of him, and hang him on the next tree. At this the fellow cried out, 3£'"» — OF AVARICE. And, Oh I what man's condition can be worse Than his, whom plenty starves and blessing curse2 The beggars but a common fate deplore; The rich poor man's emphatically poor. If cares and troubles, envy, grief, and fear, The bitter fruits be what fair riches bear, If a new poverty grows out of store, The old plain way, ye Gods! let me be poor. Cowley. This vile passion which frowns at the approach of the stranger, clinches the hand against the poor, denies all encouragement of public good, and can pinch and starve wife and children, is hardly more detestable in a moral point of view, than it is pernicious in a medical. It is true that, by his unwillingness to part with his money, the miser is generally a temperate and even an abstemious character, and so far his vice is beneficial to his health. But in many other respects this detestable vice op- erates very hurtfully to the health of him who is cursed with it. By the extreme eagerness to make money, by the distressing fears about keeping it, by the inconsola- ble grief for losing it ; besides the heart-aches, the en- vies and jealousies, the sleepless nights, wearisome days, and numberless other ills which it inflicts on its slaves, it often ruins their health, and brings them doAvn to the grave by some lingering disease, or more hor- rible suicide. History tells us of illustrious villains ; but there never was an illustrious miser in nature. The great and learued Hippocrates wished a consul- tation of all the physicians in the world, that they might advise together upon the means Iioav to cure covetous- 190 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART ness. It is now above two thousand years ago since he had this desire; and after him a thousand and a thousand philosophers have employed their endeavours to cure this insatiable dropsy. All of them have lost their la. hours therein; the evil rather increases than declines under the multitude of remedies. There have been a number in former ages sick of it; and this wide hos- pital of the Avorld is still as full of such patients as ever it was. A rich cotton planter in Georgia, in consequence of losing two cents in the pound on a crop of cotton, was seized with such a sadness of heart, that he took to his bed, and refusing to be shaved, shirted, or to take suit- able nourishment, died miserably. He was a bachelor, and his estate, on appraisement, amounted to nearly one hundred thousand dollars ! !! In York County, Pennsylvania, a farmer so Avealthy as to raise one hundred bushels of clover-seed on his own lands, in consequence of losing five dollars per bushel on his clover seed, that is only getting seven dol- lars in Philadelphia, after he had been offered twelve for it at home, was struck with such a deadly heart an- guish, that he Avent into a fit of despondence and hung himself. After his death silver to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars was found barrelled up in his cellar!!! Cardinal Angelot Avas so basely covetous, that by a private Avay he used to go into the stable, and steal the oats from his own horses. On a time the keeper of his horses going into the stable in the dark, and finding him there, taking him for a thief, beat him soundly : he was also so hard o his servants, that his chamberlain, watch- ing his opportunity, sleAV him. Lewis the Eleventh, in fear of his father Charles the Seventh, abode in Burgundy, where he contracted a familiarity Avithone Conon, an herbman : succeeding his father in the kingdom, Conon took his journey to Paris, to present the king with some turnips, Avhich he had observed him to eat heartily of when he sometimes OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 191 came from hunting : in the way, hunger constrained him to eat them all up, save only one of an unusual bigness, and this he.presented the king with. The king, delighted Avith the simplicity of the man, commanded him a thousand croAvns, and the turnip, wrapt up in silk, to be reserved amongst his treasures. A covetous courtier had observed this; and having already in his mind devoured a greater sum, brought a very handsome horse, and presented him to the king, who cheerfully accepted the gift, and gave orders that the turnip should be brought him: when unwrapt, that it was seen what it was, the courtier complained that he was deluded: 6i No," said the king, " here is no delusion; thou hast that which cost me a thousand crowns, for a horse that is scarcely to be valued at a hundred." Nitocris, Queen of Babylon, built her sepulchre over the most eminent gate in that city; and caused to be en- graven upon her tomb, " What king soever comes after me, and shall want money, let him open this sepulchre and take thence so much as he pleases: but let him not open it unless he want, for he shall not find it for his ad- vantage." Darius, long after, finding this inscription, broke open the sepulchre: but instead of treasure he only found this inscription within; " Unless thou wert a Avicked man, and basely covetous, thou wouldst never have violated the dormitories of the dead," 192 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART OF INTEMPERANCE. We curse not -wine ; the vile excess we blame; More fruitful than th' accumulated board, Of pain and misery. For the subtle draught Faster and surer swells the vital tide; And with more active poison than the floods Of grosser crudity convey, pervades The far remote meanders of our frame. —-----------------For know, whate'er Beyond its natural fervour hurries on The sanguine tide; whether the frequent bowl, High-seasoned fare', or exercise to toil Protracted, spurs to its last stage tirM life, And sows the temples with untimely sncw. Armstrong. Temperance, by fortifying the mind and body, leads to happiness. Intemperance, by enervating them, ends in misery. And those who destroy a healthy consti- tution of body by intemperance, do as manifestly kill themselves, as those who hang, poison, or drown them- selves. Virtue is no enemy to pleasure; but, on the contrary, is its most certain friend. Her office is to regulate our desires, that we may enjoy every pleasure with moderation; and then our relish for them will continue. Pleasure, my friend! on this side folly lies ; It may be vig'rous, but it must be wise : And when our organs once that end attain, Each step beyond it is a step to pain. Cawthorn. Anacharsis, the Scythian, in order to deter young men from that voluptuousness which is ever attended with ill effects, applied his discourse to them in a para- ble, telling them that the vine of youthful gratification had three branches, producing three clusters. u On the first," says he, " grows pleasure ; on the second, sottishness; on the third, sadness." OF PRESERVING. HEALTH. 193 Struck by the powerful charm, the gloom dissolves In empty air ; Elysium opens round. A pleasing frenzy buoys the lighten'd soul, And sanguine hopes dispel your fleeting cares, And Avhat are difficult, and what Avas dire, Yields to your prowess and superior stars ; The happiest you, of all that e'er were mad, Or are, or shall be, could this folly last. But soon your heaven is gone ; a heavier gloom Shuts o'er your head; and, as the thund'ring stream Swoln o'er its banks with sudden mountain rain, Sinks from its tumult to a silent brook; So, Avhen the frantic raptures in your breast Subside, you languish into mortal man : You sleep,----and waking, find yourself undone ; For, prodigal of life, in one rash night You lavish'd more than might support three days. A heavy morning comes ; your cares return With tenfold rage. Armstrong. Drinking is undoubtedly the most miserable refuge from misfortune. It is the most broken of all reeds. This solace is truly short-lived; when over, the spirits commonly sink as much below their usual tone, as they had been before raised above it. Hence a repetition of ihe dose becomes necessary, and every fresh dose makes Avay for another, till the miserable man is rendered a slave to the bottle; and at length falls a sacrifice to what, at first, perhaps, Avas taken only as a medicine. Unhappy man, whom sorrow thus and rage, Tavo different ills, alternately engage. Who drinks, alas! but to forget; nor sees That melancholy, sloth, severe disease, Memory confused, and interrupted thought, Death's harbingers, lie latent in the draught, % A f{W* on HYGEINE, or THE ARi And in the flowers that wreath the sparkling bowl, Fell adders hiss, and poisonous serpents roll. Prior. Were the pleasures of the palate lasting, says Cor- naro, there would be some excuse for inebriety, but it is so transitory, that there is scarce any distinguishing between the beginning and the ending ; whereas, the diseases it produces are very durable. The story of Prometheus seems to have been in- vented by physicians in those ancient times, when all things were clothed in hieroglyphic, or in fable. Pro- metheus was painted as stealing fire from heaAren, which might well represent the inflammable spirit produced by fermentation, that may be said to animate and en- liven the man of clay: whence the conquest of Bac- chus, and the heedless mirth and noise of his devotees. But the after punishment of those who steal this ac- cursed fire, is a vulture gnawing the liver ; which Avell allegorizes the poor inebriate, labouring under painful hepatic diseases. It is thus beautifully described by Darwin: So when Prometheus braved the Thunderer's ire, Stole from his blazing throne etherial fire, And, lantern'd in his breast, from realms of day, Bore the bright treasure to his man of clay :— High on cold Caucasus, by Vulcan bound, The lean, impatient vulture flutt'ring round ; His writhing limbs in vain he twists and strains, To break or loose the adamantine chains : The gluttonous bird exulting in- his pangs, Tears his sAVoln liver Avith remorseless fangs. Let those avIio have been enticed frequently to taste spirituous liquors, till at length they begin to have a fondness for them, reflect a moment on the danger of tlieir situation, and resolve to make a speedy and ho- nourable retreat. Remember that custom soon changes jntu habit; that habit is a second nature, more stub- (IF PRESERVING HEALTH. 1Q5 born than the first, and, of all things, most difficult to be subdued. Remember, that it is by little unsus- pecting beginnings, that this unfortunate vice is generally contracted, and when once confirmed, scarcely termi- nates but with life ! Learn then, in time, to resist this bewitching spirit, whenever it tempts you. Then will you find yourself so perfectly easy Avithout it, as at length never to regret its absence; nay, peculiarly happy in having escaped the allurements of such a dangerous and insidious enemy. Those avIio pride themselves in living fast, and are bent upon " a short and merry life," though, in truth, it is a short and miserable one ; will doubt- less spurn at these admonitions, and run headlong to tlieir own destruction. Strange infatuation ! Can you submit to such despicable bondage, and tamely give up your freedom without one generous struggle? The present conflict, remember, is not for the fading laurel, or tinselled wreath, for Avhich others so earnestly con^ tend, but for those more blooming, more substantial honours, which Health, the daughter of Temperance, only can bestow. For it is thine, O Health / and thine alone, to diffuse through the human breast that genial warmth, that serene sunshine, Avhich glows in the cheek, 6hines in the eye, and animates the whole frame ! But if still you have no regard for this blessing, let me re- mind you of an hereafter ! "To die—to sleep—to sleep? perchance to dream— Ay, there's the rub /" If death was nothing, and nought after death ; If, when men died, at once they ceas'd to be, Returning to the barren womb of Nothing, Whence they sprung—then might the wretch That's weary of the Avorld, and tir'd of life, At once give each inquietude the slip, By stealing out of being when he pleas'd, And by what Avay ; Avhether by hemp or steel, Death's thousand doors are open. Who could force 196 ON HYGEINE, OR THE AR1 The ill-pleased guest to sit out his full time. Or blame him if he goes ? Sure he does well, That helps himself as timely as he can, When able.----But if there's an hereafter, And that there is, Conscience uninfluenced, And suffer'd to speak out, tells every man ; Then must it be an awful thing to die ; More horrid yet to die by one's own hand. Self-murder / dreadful deed ! our island's shame, That makes her the reproach of neighb'ring states : Shall Nature, swerving from her earliest dictates, Self-preservation, fall by her own act ? Forbid it Heaven !—Let not, upon disgust, The shameless hand be foully crimson'd o'er With blood of its own lord.—Dreadful attempt. Just reeking from self-slaughter, in a rage To rush into the presence of our Judge ; As if we challeng'd him to do his Avorst, And heeded not his Avrath. Blair. It is an invariable laAV of our present condition, that every pleasure which is pursued to excess, con- verts itself to sl poison. In. all the pleasures of sense, it is apparent, that only when indulged within certain limits, they confer satisfaction. No sooner do we pass Jhe line Avhich temperance has drawn, than pernicious effects come forward, and sIioav themselves. Could vve expose to vieAV the monuments of death, they would read a lecture on moderation, much more powerful than any that the most eloquent Avriters can give. You Avould behold the graves peopled with the victims of intempe- rance. You Avould behold those chambers of darkness, hung round, on every side, with the trophies of luxury, drunkenness, and sensuality. So numerous would you find those victims to iniquity, that it may be safely asserted, Avhere Avar or pestilence have slain their thou- sands, intemperate pleasure has slain its ten thousands. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 197 0>er the dread feast malignant Chemia scoavIs, And mingles poison in the nectar'd bowls ; Fell Gout peeps grinning through the flimsy scene, And bloated Dropsy pants behind unseen : Wrapp'd in his robe, Avhite Lepra hides his stains, And silent Frenzy writhing, bites his chains. Darwin. By such unhappy excesses, Iioav many amiable dis- positions have been corrupted or destroyed! Iioav many rising capacities and powers have been suppressed! hoAV many flattering hopes of parents and friends have been totally extinguished! Who but must drop a tear oA*er human nature, when he beholds that morning, which arose so bright, overcast with such untimely darkness ; that good humour, which once captivated all hearts ; that vivacity, which sparkled in every company ; those abilities, Avhich were fitted for adorning the highest sta- tion, all sacrificed at the shrine of low sensuality ; and one who was formed for running the fair career of life in the midst of public esteem, cut off by his vices at the beginning of his course, or sunk, for the Avhole of it, into insignificancy and contempt! The Father justly describes the nature of this beastly vice, when he saith of it, that "It is a flattering devil, a sAveet poison, a delightful sin, Avhich he that hath, posses- seth not himself; and he that acts it, doth not only commit a sin, butis Avholly converted into sin, being deserted of his reason, which is at once his counsellor and guardian. Sometimes he dishonours himself by that Avhich is ri- diculous ; and at others exposes himself to hazards, by dealing with things that are dangerous to himself and others. To sIioav in the most forcible light the dangers of in- temperance, the Catholic legends tells us of one who was violently assaulted by the temptations of the devil, to commit one of these three sins : either to be drunk once, or commit adultery Avith the wife of his neigh- bour, or else murder his neighbour. At last, being overcome, he yielded to commit the first, a« judging it a 198 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART crime that had less horror in it than either of the other. But being drunk, he Avas easily hurried on to the rest, which before he had abhorred : for the flame of his lust being kindled by his luxury, he feared not to violate the chastity of his neighbour's wife ; and the husband casually surprising him, and desirous to revenge 4iimself of the injury he had sustained, received a mortal Avound in his hand, whereof he soon after died. Thus he that had given Avay to drunkenn.ess, Avas also involved in adultery and murder / A man who was addicted to daily drunkenness, in his cups, as often as he had emptied his pockets of money by playing at cards, used to swear he would be the death of his wife's uncle, because he refused to furnish him with more money to spend. This uncle was a good and honest man, and a person of great hospi- tality. One night, when he entertained a stranger, he was murdered by him, together with a niece, and a little nephew of his. The next morning this drunkard coming to the house, not finding the doors open, and having knocked for some time in vain, entered the house by the assistance of a ladder, through one of the windoAvs. As soon as he spied the three dead corpses, he raised the neighbourhood with a lamentable cry; and they suspecting him to be the murderer, immedi- ately laid hold of him, and committed him to prison ; and he was very soon afterwards condemned to be hung. He frequently observed, " That he did not think he committed the murder ; but, by reason of his daily and continual drunkenness, he could affirm no- thing of a certainty : that he had some time a will, or rather an inclination, to kill his- uncle ; but that he should never have touched his niece or young nephew." HoAvever, the innocent wretch Avas executed. Not long after the execrable murderer, unable to endure the hourly tortures which an avenging God inflicted upon his soul, presented himself, of his OAvn accord, before the judges ; beseeching them, that by a speedy death, he might be freed from that hell he felt here alive ; aifirm- ing, that whether aAvake or asleep, the image of the OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 199 child whom he had strangled, presented itself to his eyes, shaking the furies' whips at him. When he spoke this before the tribunal, he continually fanned his face Avith his hands, as if to blow off the flames. The facts being evident by the goods taken, and other dis- coveries, he also was condemned to be hung, and ac- cordingly was executed. A young gentleman of most respectable parentage, be- ing rather intemperate, Avas urged by hi* parents to marry, thinking that might produce a change of his habits. He paid his addresses to a most amiable young lady, of a fair estate, to whom he was soon united in wedlock. It was not many months after marriage, be- fore he resumed his former habits, and Avhat with drink- ing and gambling, he very soon exhausted the whole of her fortune. Executions being out against him, he was compelled to keep at home, where he did nothing but get drunk and abuse his amiable wife. One night filled with rage he resolved to destroy her, and going at a late hour into the kitchen, where she had been constrained to retire from his abuse, he continued his opprobrious lan- guage to her, and notwithstanding she gave him none but loving and kind Avords, yet he struck her over the head with a large stick, which she bore patiently,although it much injured her face. He still continuing to rage at her, wearied and in great fear, she rose up and went to the door. Here he followed her, Avith a chopping-knife in his hand, with Avhich he struck at her wrist, and cut her very much ; no help being near, but an old Avoman, who durst not interpose, fearing for her oavii life ; who prayed her mistress to stay and be quiet, hoping all would be well, and so getting a napkin, bound up her hand Avith it. After this still railing and raging at his Avife, he struck her on the forehead Avith an iron cleaver, whereupon she fell down bleeding; but recovering her- self, upon her knees she prayed unto God for the par- don of her own and her husband's sins, praying God to forgive him as she did. But as she was thus praying, the infernal Demon, her husband, split her scull open with the cleaver, so that she died immediately: for 200 ON HYGE1NE, OR THE ART which he Avas apprehended, condemned, and hang- ed. But so callous was the wretch, that even under the galloAvs he did not exhibit any marks of repentance. Retreat then, from your dishonourable courses, ye who by licentiousness, extravagance, and vice, are abusers of the world ! You are degrading, you are ruining your- selves. You are grossly misemploying the gifts of God, and mistake your true interest. Awake, then, to the pursuits of men of virtue and honour. Break loose from that magic circle, within which you are at present held. Reject the poisonous cup which the enchantress Plea- sure holds up to your lips. Draw aside the veil, which she throAvs over your eyes. You will then see other objects than you now behold. You will see an abyss # opening below your feet. You will see Virtue and Temperance marking out the road which conducts to true felicity. You stand upon eternity's dread brink; Faith and repentance seek with earnest prayer, Despise this world, the next be all your care. Trapp. It is a lamentable fact, so great is the infatuation of this vice, that few, once deluded, have ever after re- covered their freedom. Some glorious instances, how- ever, have occurred, which is surely fine encouragement to others. We also have the pleasure to find none are greater enemies to vice, than those Avho formerly were the slaves of it, and have been so fortunate as to break their chain and recover their liberty. A medical gentleman in Virginia, who Avas married to a most amiable lady, by associating with dissipated characters, became at length intemperate himself. As soon as he acquired habits of intemperance, his dis- position Avas altered, and from an affectionate husband he proved very turbulent, and treated his wife so ill that she Avas constrained to separate from him. After liATng a disorderly life for some time, he Avas brought to a sense of reflection, and with an incredible change of mind and OF PRESERVING HEALTH. SOI manners, he renounced all vicious habits, plead guilty before his amiable wife, who was ready to forgive, and since they have lived in the utmost harmony. So sensi- ble is he of the danger of using spirituous and vinous liquors to excess, that he will not taste them, lest he should be enticed to exceed the bounds of moderation; and whenever he sees a person so inclined, never fails to caution him against so insidious an enemy. A gentleman in Maryland, who was addicted to drunkenness, hearing a considerable uproar in his kitchen one night, felt the curiosity to step without noise to the door, to know what was the matter; when, behold, they were all indulging the most unbounded roars of laughter at a couple of his negro boys, who were mimicking himself, in his drunken fits !—:as how he reeled and staggered—hoAv he looked and nodded— and hickupped and tumbled! The pictures which these children of nature drew of him, and which had filled the rest with such inexhaustible merriment, struck him with so salutary a disgust, that from that night he became perfectly a sober man, to the eternal joy of his wife, and children. A very respectable gentleman in Philadelphia, had a wife who, by her fondness for strong drink, had al- most broken his heart. At length he was advised, " as a desperate remedy in a desperate disease," to place a barrel of spirits in her closet, and let her kill herself as soon as possible, since every persuasive means had been used in vain to break her of this beastly vice. At the sight of so extraordinary a visitant in her closet, she Avas struck with such horror at the idea of the dreadful design on which it was placed there, that she immediately took up, and recovered all the purity and lustre of her former character, to the infinite joy of her husband, children, and numerous friends. Colonel Gardiner, a gentleman of fortune, who, to all the advantages of a liberal and religious education, added every accomplishment that could render him most agreeable; early entered into the army, and was soon called into actual service, at which time he behaved SOS ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART with a gallantry and courage, which will always give a splendor to his name among the British soldiery, and render him, in this respect, an example worthy of their imitation. But, alas ! amidst all the intrepidity of the martial hero, you see him vanquished by the blandish- ments of pleasure, and plunging into the most criminal excesses. Before he had attained the age of twenty- two, he fought three duels. In the battle of Ramillie9, he was shot through the neck, and by a singular inter- vention, as it were of Providence, when the strippers of the dead came to him, and had taken up an instrument, wholly to abolish life, being faint and speechless from loss of blood, a friar interfered, and some spirits being given him, he was revived, and made prisoner. He still, however, lived without a sense of God or religion. After his exchange he rose gradually in the army, till at last he became aid-de-camp to Lord Stair. He then went to Paris, during the reign of the Duke of Orleans, and lived in a court, the most dissolute in the world. What, by a Avretched abuse of words, is styled gallan- try, was the whole business of his life, and his fine con- stitution, fascinating person, and elegant address, gave him full opportunity of indulging in every excess, so that he generally Avent by the name of the happy English- man. When returning to England, as he was going ost upon a French horse, the animal fell Avith him, and e was picked up for dead. When in the packet-boat a few Aveeks after, a violent storm arose, and the Aressel Avas in so much danger, that the captain urged all to prayers. It Avas then that colonel Gardiner first seri- ously considered the follies and crimes he had been guilty of; that he Avas not sent into the world for naught; that he had neglected the part assigned him : had de- graded his OAvn nature ; and, instead of being useful, had been hurtful among those with whom he had ac- quaintance. What account has he to give to his maker ? Self-condemned, polluted by so many crimes, Iioav was be to find mercy in the sight of God ? Hence an over- whelmed and dejected mind ; hence that Avounded spirit, which who can bear? His prayer was long and fervent, and troubled with many tears. The mercy of I OF PRESERVING HEALTH. SOS 0od Avas again shown him, but among his giddy and dissolute companions, he soon after endeavoured to ex- cuse himself the scandal of " having prayed." In July 1791, having made an assignation Avith a married lady, to kill time, he went to a neighbour's house, and the master being suddenly called out, he stumbled upon a book which was called the Christian Soldier ; as the hour was not yet arrived, he took up this book, and from the title, had curiosity to dip into it. Some passages struck his attention, and he read on till he fell asleep. He dreamt he saw an unusual blaze of light poured upon the book, and he afterwards had a strong visual representation of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross, surrounded on all sides with glory, who addressed him u as an ungrateful sinner, despising the numerous mer- gies shown him." When he awoke, the impression was so vivid, that he could scarce conceive it had been a dream; he then looked back Avith horror on his past life ; he would fain have kneeled down, and asked par- don of God, but he thought he was a monster as yet too vile to supplicate Heaven. He never once remembered the assignation, but went home, and passed this and the three succeeding nights without the refreshment of sleep, in fasting and prayer. His mind was continually taken up in reflecting on the Divine purity and good- ness ; the grace which had been proposed to him in the Gospel, and which he had rejected; the singular ad- vantages he had enjoyed and abused; the many mer- cies he had received and despised ; with the vain folly of that career of pleasure, which he had been running with desperate eagerness, all roused his indignation against the great Deceiver, by whom, to use his owrn expression, " he had been so wretchedly befooled !" Thus the whole frame and disposition of his soul was new-modelled and changed; and he became, and con- tinued to the last, a most pious and exemplary Chris- tian. Repent, believe, and mourn your errours past, And live each day as though it were your last. Rural Christian. 204> ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART O Temperance / thou support and attendant of other virtues ! Thou preserver and restorer of health ! Thou maintainer of the dignity and liberty of rational beings, from the Avretched, inhuman slavery of Sensuality, Taste, Custom, and Example ! Thou brightener of the understanding and memory ! Thou sweetener of life, and all its comforts ! Thou companion of reason, and guardian of the passions ! Thou bountiful rewarder of thy admirers and followers! Iioav do thine excellencies extort the unwilling commendations of thine enemies! and Avith what rapturous delight can thy friends raise up a panegyric in thy praise ! -- *!&&&<» -- OF VANITY. So weak are human-kind by Nature mad?, Or to such weakness by their vice betray'd; Almighty Vanity ! to thee they owe Their zest of pleasure, and their balm of woe. Yousu Vanity consists of an agreeable reverie; and is Aveil ridiculed in the story of Narcissus, who so long con- templated his OAvn beautiful image in the water, that he died from neglect of taking sustenance. On the green margin sits the youth and laves His floating train of tresses in the waves ; Sees his fair features paint the streams that pass^ ^ And bends for ever o'er the watery glass. Darwin. As the vain found their claims on qualities which they do not possess, they frequently meet Avith mortifi- cations ; while tlieir extreme solicitude for distinctions they are not entitled to, can never alloAv them any re- pose ; hence vanity is an enemy to health. Observe a lady at a ball, anxious to be thought the finest Avoman in the assembly, and doubtful of success. The pleasure, which it is the purpose of the assembly OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 205 to enjoy, is lost to her. She does not for a mo- ment experience such a seusation; for it is totally ab- sorbed by the prevailing sentiment, and the pains that she takes to conceal it. She Avatches the looks, the most trivial marks of the opinion of the company, with the attention of a moralist, and the anxiety of a poli- tician ; and wishing to conceal from every eye, the tor^ ments she feels, her affectation of gaiety at the triumph of a rival, the turbulence of her conversation when that rival is applauded; the over-acted regard which she expresses for her, and the unnecessary efforts she makes, betray her sufferings and her constraint. Grace, that supreme charm of beauty, never displays itself but when the mind is perfectly at ease, and when confi- dence prevails. Uneasiness and restraint obscure those advantages which we possess; the countenance is con- tracted by every pang which self-love occasions. We very soon discover the change; and the vexation the discovery produces, still augments the evil which it is desirous to repair. Vexation increases upon vexation, and the object is rendered more remote by the very de- sire of possession. In this picture too, which, we should think, ought only to remiud us of the caprices of a child, we recognize the sufferings of maturer age, the emotions which lead to despair, and to a detestation of life. Dominicus Sylvius, Duke of Venice, married a gen- tlevvoman of Constantinople. She was plunged into sen- suality with so much profusion, that she could not en- dure to lodge but in chambers full of delicious perfumes; she would not wash herself but in the dews of heaven, which must be preserved for her with much skill: her garments were so pompous, that nothing remained but to seek for new stuffs in heaven, for she had exhausted the treasures of earth: her viands were so dainty, that all the mouths of kings tasted none so exquisite; nor would she touch her meat but with golden forks and precious stones. God, to punish this cursed pride and superfluity, cast her on a bed, and assailed her with a malady so stinking and frightful, that all her nearest kindred Avere 306 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART forced to abandon her ; and none stayed about her but a poor old woman, thoroughly accustomed to stench and death. The delicate Seniora Avas infected with her own perfumes in such a manner, that from all her body there began to drop a most stinking humour, and a kind of matter so filthy to behold, and so noisome to the smell, that every man plainly perceived that her dissolute and excessive daintiness had caused the infection in her. If a beautiful) proud, and gay Avoman, would but se- riously reflect on what a loathsome carcass she must ere long become in the grave, amidst worms and cor- ruption, it would tend to mortify her pride, lessen her vanity, and teach her to be humble. Ye proud, ambitious, wealthy, young, and gayA Who drink the spirit of the golden day, And triumph in existence, come with me, And in the mould'ring corpse your picture see, What you, and all, must soon or later be. Solitary Walks^ Pride, well placed and rightly defined, is of ambiguous signification, says the late incomparable Marquis of Halifax: one kind of it is as much a virtue as the other is a vice. But we are naturally so apt to choose the worst, that it has become dangerous 'to commend the best side of it. Pride is a sly insensible enemy, that wounds the soul unseen, and many that have resisted other formi- dable vices, have been ruined by this subtle invader; for though we smile to ourselves, at least ironically, when flatterers bedaub us with false encomiums; though Ave seem many times to be angry, and blush at our praises ; yet our souls inwardly rejoice; we are pleased Avith it, and forget ourselves. Some are proud of their quality, and despise all beloAV it; first, set it up for the idol of a vain imagination, and then their reason must fall down and worship it. They Avould have the world think, that no amends can be made for the want of a great title. They imagine that with this advantage they stand upon the higher ground, which makes them OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 207 took down upon» merit and virtue as things inferior to them. Some, and most commonly women, are proud of tjieir fine clothes; and when they have less wit and sense than the rest of their neighbours, comfort themselves with the reflection that they have more lace. Some ladies put so much weight upon ornaments, that if one could see into their hearts, it would be found that even the thought of death was made less heavy to them, by the contemplation of their being laid out in state, and honourably attended to the grave. The man of letters is proud of the esteem the world gives him for his know- ledge ; but he might easily cure himself of that disease, by considering how much learning he wants. The military^ man is proud of some great action performed by him, when possibly it was more owing to fortune than his own valour or conduct: and some are proud of their ignorance, and have as much reason to be so as any of the »rest; for they being also compared Avith others in the same character and condition, will find their defects exceed their acquisitions. O, sons of earth ! attempt ye still to rise, By mountains pil'd on mountains, to the skies ? Heaven still with laughter the vain toil surveys, And buries madmen in the heaps they raise. Pope. Hannibal was so exalted with the victory he had got at Cannae, that afterwards he admitted not any of the citizens of Carthage into his camp; nor gave answer to any but by an interpreter. Also, when Maherbal said at his tent door, " That he had found out a way whereby in a feAV days, if he pleased, he might sup in the Capital," he despised him. So hard is it for felicity and mode- ration to keep company together. Alcibiades had his mind exceedingly puffed up Avith pride, upon the account of his riches and large pos- sessions in land : which, when Socrates observed, he took him along with him to a place where Avas hung up A map of the Avorld, and desired him to find out Attica 308 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART in that map ; which, when he had dqne, " Now," said he, " find me out your own lands :" and when he re. plied, that " they were not all set down," " How is it then," said Socrates, " that thou art grown proud of the possession of that which is no part of the earth ?" A person of infinite wit, speaking of what might pre- cisely be called a proud and vain man, once said, " When I see him, I feel something like the pleasure of seeing a happy couple ; his self-love and he live so happily together." I once saw, says Dr. Darwin, a handsome young man, who had been so much flattered by his parents, that his vanity rose so near to insanity, that one might discern, by his perpetual attention to himself, and the difficulty with Avhich he arranged his conversation, that the idea of himself intruded itself at every comma or pause of his discourse. ^ I dreamt that, buried with my fellow clay, Close by a common beggar's side I lay ; ■ And as so mean an object shock'd my pride, Thus like a corpse of consequence I cried : Scoundrel, begone ! and henceforth touch me not 3 More manners learn, and at a distance rot. il Scoundrel, then," with haughtier tone cried he, "'* Proud lump of earth, I scorn thy words and thee; Here all are equal, now thy case is mine, This is my rotting-place, and that is thine." Dodd. The cure of vanity, may be attempted by excess of flattery, which will at length appear ridiculous, or, by its familiarity, will cease to be desired. I remember says Dr. Darwin, to have heard a story of a nobleman, in the court of France, avIio Avas so disagreeably vain in conversation, that the king was pleased to direct his cure, which Avas thus performed. Two gentlemen Avere directed always to attend him; one Avas to stand behind his chair, and the other at a respectful distance before him: whenever his lordship began to speak, one of them OF PRESERVING HEALTH. %Q9 always pronounced, " Lord Gallimaufre is going to say the best tiling in the Avorld." And as soon as bis lordship had done speaking, the other attendant p*Q- nounced, " Lord Gallimaufre has spoken the best thing in the Avorld." Till, in a few weeks, this noble lord was so disgusted with praise, that he ceased to be vain; and his majesty dismissed his keepers. — « <& >■» >-— OF MODESTY. Hail Modesty ! fair female honour hail! Beauty's chief ornament, without whose charms Beauty disgusts, or gives but vulgar joys. Thou giv'st the smile its grace / the heightened kiss Its balmy essence sweet ! Armstrong. Modesty is to virtue, what a fine veil is to beauty. It is one of the most distinguishing and attractive cha- racteristics of the female sex. It comprises both the beauties of the mind as well as those of the body ; and it not only heightens the desire of the male, but deters him from rudeness and improper behaviour. It is, therefore, the interest of the men to cherish, and not to injure by indelicacy, a quality from which they derive so much pleasure and advantage. I remember, says a female author of great distinction, the count M----, one of the most accomplished young men in Vienna, Avhen I was there; he was passionately in love witli a girl of peerless beauty. She was the daughter of a man of great rank, and influence at court; and on these considerations, as well as in regard to her charms, she Avas followed by a multitude of suitors. She Avas lively and amiable, and treated them all Avith an affability which still kept them in her train, although it was generally knovvn that she had avowed a pre- dilection for the count, and that preparations Avere making for their nuptials. The count Avas of a refined mind, and delicate sensibility; he loved her for herself alone; for the virtues Avhich he believed dwelt in her 2c 210 ON HYGEINE, or the art beautiful form; and, like a lover of such perfections, he never approached her without timidity, and when he touched her, a fire shot through his veins that Avarned him not to invade the vermilion sanctuary of her lips. Such were his feelings when, one night, at his intended father-in-law's, a party of young people were met to celebrate a certain festival, several of the young lady's rejected suitors were present. Forfeits were one of the pastimes, and all Avent on with a grateful merriment, till the count was commanded, by some witty Mademoi- selle, to redeem his glove by saluting the cheek of his intended bride. The count blushed, trembled, advan- ced to his mistress, retreated, advanced again,—and at last, witli a tremour that shook every fibre in his frame, with a modest grace, he put the soft ringlets which played upon her cheek to his lips, and retired to de- mand his redeemed pledge, in evident confusion. His mistress gaily smiled, and the game Avent on. One of her rejected suitors, but who was of a merry, unthinking disposition, was adjudged, by the same indiscreet crier of the forfeits, to snatch a kiss from the lips of the ob- ject of his recent vows. A lively contest between the lady and the gentleman lasted for a minute ! but the lady yielded, though in the midst of a convulsive laugh. And the count had the mortification, the agony to see the lips, which his passionate and delicate love Avould not allow hkn to touch, kissed with roughness, by ano- ther man, and one whom he despised. Without a word he rose from his chair, and left the room, and the house— and never saw her more ! Thus, by that good-natured kiss, the fair boast of Venice lost her husband and her lover. " Learn then, ye fair, to keep the person sacred; ---- .......like the pure mind, Be that array'd in modest dignity: Nor e'en its beauties flauntingly expose— Thus may ye keep the heart your charms have won. The attractive grace, and powerful charm of Modesty, - cannot be better illustrated, than by relating the follow- ing interesting narrative. dF PRESERVING HEALTH. £11 Charlotte Cordayweu tall and well-shaped, of the most afraceful manners, and modest demeanour ; there Avas in her countenance, which was beautiful and engaging, and in all her movements, a mixture of softness and dig- nity, which were evident indications of a heavenly mind. She came to Paris, and under a figured pretext, gained admission to that chief of republican tyrants, Marat, in whose breast she plunged a dagger, acknowledged the deed, and justified it, by asserting that it was a duty she owed her country and mankind, to rid the Avorld ol such a monster. Her deportment during her trial was modest and dignified. There was so engaging a soft- ness in her countenance, that it was difficult to conceive how she oould have armed herself with sufficient intre- pidity to execute the deed. Her answers to the ques- tions of the tribunal were full of point and energy. She sometimes surprised the audience by her wit, and excited their admiration by her eloquence. Her lace sometimes beamed with sublimity, and was sometimes covered with smiles. She retired while the jury de- liberated on their verdict; and when she again entered the tribunal, there was a majestic solemnity in her de- meanour, which perfectly became her situation. She heard her sentence with attention and composure, and left the court with serenity, her mind being long before prepared even for the last scene. It is difficult to con- ceive the heroism which she displayed in the way to execution. There Avas such an air of chastened exul- tation thrown over her countenance, that she inspired sentiments of love, rather than pity. The spectators, as she passed, uncovered their heads before her, and others gave loud tokens of applause. She ascended the scaffold with undaunted firmness. When the exe- cutioner informed her that her feet must be tied to the fatal plank, she submitted with a smile. When he toofc off her handkerchief, the moment before she bent under the fatal stroke, she blushed deeply; and her head, which was held up to the multitude the moment alter, exhibited the last impression of offended modesty. Such an instance of a young female, given up to de- struction, and yet so tremblingly alive to modesty, tma 212 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART even in the last moments she resents the slightest insult to that, more than she dreads the executioner's axe, is a display of the charm, as Avell as the force of virtue tri- umphant over death, that deserves to be preserved in everlasting remembrance. Its effects on the crowd beggared all description. Admiration held the gazing thousands mute. And though, while gazing on her cheeks yet divinely enriched with the blush of deathless modesty, they shed their tears over her untimely fate ; still their joy-glistening eyes seemed to thank her for such a proof of the divinity of virtue, and the birth- right of innocence to heaven. One of the spectators, a young man, by the name of Lux, had his feelings Avrought to such an adoration of her virtues, that he proposed in a pamphlet published the day after, to erect a monument to her honour, and to inscribe it Avith these words :—GREATER THAN BRUTUS — He Avas instantly sentenced to the guillotine. He re- ceived the neAvs Avith joy, and'died exulting that he had the honour of being offered up at the same altar with the immaculate Charlotte Corday. Modesty is one of the chiefest moral virtues in itself, and an excellent stock to graft all others on. Other qualifications have their abatements agreeable to their use designed, and the opinion the Avorld has of their owners ; but modesty is a virtue which never feels the Aveight of censure; for it silences envy by meriting es- teem, and is beloved, commended, and approved where- soever it is found. It is the truest glass to dress by, the choicest director of our discourses, and a sure guide in all our actions. It gives rules in forming our looks, gestures and conversations; and has obtained such au esteem among the judicious, that though mode or art be wanting, it will either cover, excuse or supply all de- fects ; because it is guarded by an aversion to what is criminal, an utter dislike of what is offensive, and a contempt of what is absurd, foolish, or ridiculous. It is the great ornament of both sexes; for those that have forfeited their modesty, are reckoned among the Avorth- OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 213 less, that will never come to any thing but shame, scan- dal, and derision : and indeed the deformity of immo- desty well considered, is instruction enough, from the same reason, that the sight of a drunkard is a better sermon against that vice, than the best that was ever preached upon the subject. The Milesian virgins were in times past taken with a strange distemper, of wliich the cause could not then be found out; for all of them had a desire of death, and a furious itch of strangling themselves: many finished their days this Avay in private: neither the prayers nor tears of their parents, nor the consolation of their friends, prevailed; but, being more subtle and witty than those that were set to observe them, they daily thus died by their own hands. It was therefore thought that this dreadful thing came to pass by the express will of the gods, and Avas greater than could be provided against by human industry. At last, according to the advice of a wise man, the council set forth this edict: " That every such virgin as from henceforth should lay violent hands upon herself, should, dead as she was, be carried stark naked along the market-place." By Avhich means not only they were restrained from their killing them- selves, but also their desire of dying was utterly extin- guished. A strange thing, that those who tremble not at death, the most formidable of all things, should yet through an innate modesty, not be able to conceive in their minds, much less endure a wrong to their modesty, though dead. Plutarch observes, that as thistles, though noxious things in themselves, are usually signs of an excellent ground wherein they grow; so bashfulness, though many times a weakness and betrayer of the mind, is yet generally an argument of a soul ingeniously and vir- tuously inclined. We read of many, who, through modesty and fear, when they were to speak publicly, have been so disap- pointed, that they were forced to hold their tongue. Thus Cicero writes of Cario, that being to plead in a cause before the senate, he was not able to speak Avhai 314 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART he had premeditated. Also, Theophrastus being to, speak before the people of Athens, was on a sudden so deprived of memory, that he remained silent. The same happened to the famous Demosthenes in the pre- sence of king Philip. Nor are we ignorant that the like misfortunes have befallen many excellent persons in our times. An Athenian, of decrepid age, came into the the- atre at Athens, on a public night, when it was very much crowded. He Avent to that part of the house where his young countrymen were sitting, but instead of making room for him, they closed their ranks. By chance he came to the place Avhere sat some young La- cedemonians of the first distinction, who, moved with the age of the man, in reverence to his years and hoary hairs, rose up, and placed him in an honourable seat amongst them; which, when the people beheld, with a loud an- plause, they approved the modesty of another city. At which one of the Lacedemonians said, " it appears that the Athenians do understand what is to be done, but they neglect the practice of it." These young Lacedemonians were Heathens. Hoav devoutly were it to be wished, that all young Christians would copy so fair an example, and learn to treat se- niority with a respect equally amiable and endearing. That was a modesty worthy of eternal praise, of God- frey of Bulloign. By the universal consent of the Avhole army he was saluted king of Jerusalem, upon the taking of it out of the hands of the Saracens : there was also brought him a croAVn of gold, sparkling Avith jeAVels, to be set ii]pon his head; but he put it by, saying, " it was most unfit for him, who was a mortal man, a ser- vant, and a sinner, to be there crowned with gems and gold, where Christ, the Son of God, who made heaven and earth, was crowned with thorns." OP PRESERVING HBALTH. 215 OF DRESS. If the rude verse that now detains your ear, Should to one female heart conviction bear; Recall one gentler mind from Fas/don's crew, To give to Nature what is Nature's due; —Whilst others mount the arduous heights of fame, To wake your feelings be my nobler aim : Nor yet unblest, if, whilst I fail to move, The fond attempt my kind intention prove. Roscoc Pliny, one of the most celebrated naturalists of an- tiquity, pathetically laments, " that whilst Nature has given various clothing to the brute creation, and even fenced plants and trees with bark against the injuries of the cold and heat, she should have cast man into this world naked, unprovided against the inclemency of dif- ferent climates and seasons." But, instead of agreeing with that philosopher, that Nature has, in this particu- lar, acted more like a cruel step-mother, than a kind and indulgent parent to man, we cannot sufficiently extol her providence and wisdom. It Avas no more than consistent with equity to provide the irrational part of her works with clothing suitable to their cir- cumstances ; but man, whom she endued with the transcendant faculty of reason, she hath very wisely left to accommodate himself to the difference of season and climate, and to clothe himself, accordingly, Avith the fleeces, the skins of animals, and the products of vari- ous plants and trees. Midwifery was first practised by women. Hence the dressing of children became an art wliich few could attain. Each midwife strove to outdo all others in this pretended knowledge. These attempts Avere seconded by the vanity of parents, who, too often de- sirous of making a show of the infant as soon as it Avas born, Avere ambitious to have as much finery heaped upon it as possible. Thus it came to bethought as ne- cessary for a midAvife to excel in bracing and dressing an infant, as for a surgeon to be expert in applying 216 on hygeine, or the art bandages to a broken limb; and the poor child, as soon as it came into the world, had as many rollers and wrappers applied to the throat and body, as if every bone had been fractured in the birth; and these often so tight, as not only to gall and Avound its tender frame, but even to obstruct the motion of the organs necessary for life. Nature knows no other use of clothes but to keep the body warm. And the pressure of the abdomen by rollers or laced jackets, impedes the action of the stomach and bowels, and the motion necessary for res- piration ; and consequently the just circulation of the blood. Hence a train of dreadful disorders ensues. The shape God has given, is too often attempted to be mended by dress, and those who know no better, believe that mankind would be frights without its as- sistance. The bones of growing persons are so cartila- ginous, that they readily yield to the slightest pressure, and easily assume the mould in Avhich they are confined. Hence it is that so many girls, in proportion to boys, are misshapen. A lady who had no girls but were misshapen, though her family was numerous, consulted the celebrated anatomist, Mr. Cline, on the prevention. ' To have no stays,—and to let the next girl run about like the boys," was the excellent advice of this gentleman, which being complied with, none of the future children, were afterwards marred by the illplaced attention of the ignorant mother. It has been said, observes a celebrated female author, that the love of dress is natural to the sex ; and we see no reason why any female should be offended with the assertion. Dress, however, must be subject to certain rules : be consistent with the graces, and with nature. By attending to these particulars is produced that agreeable exterior which pleases, we know not why; which charms, even without that first and powerful at- traction, beauty. Fashion, in her various flights, frequently soars be- yond the reach of prosperity. Good sense, taste, and OF PRESERVING HEALTH. £17 delicacy, then make their appeal in vain. Her despotic and arbitrary sway levels and confounds. Where is delicacy ? where is policy ? we mentally exclaim, when Ave see the fair inconsiderate votary of fashion exposing, unseemly, that bosom which good men delight to imagine the abode of innocence and truth. Can the gaze of the voluptuous, the unlicensed admiration of the profligate, compensate to the woman of sentiment and purity, for what she loses in the estimation of the moral and just? But, delicacy apart, what shall we say to the blind con- ceit of the robust, the coarse, the wanting fair one, who thus obtrudes the ravages of time upon the public eye? Nature having maintained a harmony betAveen the figure of a woman, and her years, it is decorous that the consistency should extend to the materials and fashion of her apparel. For youth to dress like age, is an in- stance of bad taste seldom seen. But age affecting the airy garment of youth, the transparent drapery of Cos, and the sportiveness of a girl, is an anachronism, as fre* quent as it is ridiculous. Virgin, bridal Beauty, \vhen she arrays herself with taste, obeys an end of her creation; that of encreasing her charms in the eyes of some virtuous lover, or the husband of her bosom. She is approved. But when the wrinkled fair, the hoary-headed matron, attempts to equip herself for conquest, to awaken sentiments which, the bloom on her cheek gone, her rouge can never arouse; then we cannot but deride her folly. There is a mediocrity Avhich bounds all things, and even fixes the standard Avhich divides virtue from bombast. Let us, therefore, in every concern, endeavour to observe this happy temperature. Let the youthful female exhibitr Avithout shade, as much of her bust as shall come Avith- in the limits of fashion, without infringing on the bor- ders of immodesty. Let the fair of riper years appea- less exposed. To sensible and tasteful women, a hint is sufficient. Such can never lose sight of that fine sentiment which is so happily expressed by the inimi- table Thomson: 3d 218 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART l*1ri '"-------------Loveliness Needs not the foreign aid of ornament; But is, when unadorn'd, adorn'd the most. There are persons who neglect their dress from pride, and a desire to attract by a careless singularity; but wherever this is the case, depend on it, something is Avrong in the mind. Lavater has observed, that per sons habitually attentive to their attire, display the same regularity in their domestic affairs. Young women, he continues, who neglect their toilet and manifest little concern about dress, indicate a gen- eral disregard of order ; a mind but ill adapted to the detail of house-keeping ; a deficiency of taste, and of the qualities that inspire love :—they will be careless in every thing. The girl of eighteen, who desires not to please, will become a slut or shrew at twenty-five. " Taste," says Dr. Knox, "requires a congruity be- tween the internal character, and the external appear- ance." Another author, the discriminating Chesterfield, observed, that " a prepossessing exterior is a perpetual letter of recommendation." Hence we see that the desire of exhibiting an ami- able exterior is essentially requisite in woman. It is to be received as an unequivocal symbol of those qualities, Avhich we seek in a wife; it indicates cleanliness, sweet- ness, a love of order, and universal propriety. What, then, is there to censure in a moderate consideration of dress ? Nothing. We may blame, when we find ex- travagance, profusion, misappropriation; the tyranny of fashion; slavery to vanity; in short, bad taste! Though we cannot hope entirely to escape the un- pleasant sensations, or altogether to ward off the fatal effects occasioned by the sudden changes of our climate; yet, considering properly the nature of clothing, we may avoid much of the danger. If ladies are subject to catch cold more frequently than men, it is not atone their delicacy of constitution, or their being more con- fined Avithin doors; but tlie frequent changes they make in the quality and quantity of their garments, and sometimes however, fearful of a partial current of air, because they ex- OF PRESERVING HEALTH. Sjifl pose those parts of the body, that a little before had been Avarnily clad. If a greater proportion of females fall victims to consumption, is it not because, losing sight more than men of its primary purpose, says Dr. Bed- does, they regulate their dress solely by fantastic ideas of elegance ? After the high encomiums bestowed upon flannel by so many respectable authors, both ancient and modern, and by .persons who, from long experience, haAe ascertained its beneficial effects, it is surprising that any individual should be whimsical or hardy enough to dispute its general salubrity, merely with a view to establish a favourite hypothesis. It has been objected, that flannel worn next the skin is debilitating, because it too much increases perspira- tion ; but this is not founded on truth, since perspira- tion, as long as the skin remains dry, never can be hurtful. In ansAver to another objection against the wearing of flannel, it is certain that a flannel shirt may preserve the body as clean, and much cleaner, than linen, if as frequently changed. To cold or phlegmatic temperaments; to all who lead a sedentary life; to individuals subject to catarrhs, or frequent colds, gout, diarrhoea, and partial congestions of the blood; to all nervous patients, and convalescents from severe chronic disorders; to persons who are too susceptible of the impressions of the atmosphere; and lastly, in such climates and pursuits of life, as are ex- posed to frequent and sudden changes of air, the wear- ing of flannel next the skin is certainly a salutary dress. It will also be found a better preventive of contagion than any other; because, while it encourages perspira- tion, it at the same time removes the inhaled poisonous particles. It is a mistaken notion that flannel is too warm a clothing for summer. I have never found the least inconvenience from Avearing it during the hottest weather; but, on the contrary, have experienced the greatest advantage. A celebrated author's favourite receipt for health was, " to leave off flannel on mid- summer day, and to resume it the day following.", To keep an animal in health, beside the retaining of a due degree of animal heat, there must be a continual £20 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART generation of new juices, and a perpetual discharge for the old. Without the due quantity of perspiration, which with us depends very much on our clothing, neither the vegetable nor animal can continue in health: a plant, whose perspiration is stopt, becomes sickly and dies ; even an* egg, whose shell has been covered with a varnish, and the perspiration stopt, will produce no animal. ma&&&m— OF CLEANLINESS. The grand discharge, the effusion of the skin, Slowly impair'd, the languid maladies Creep on, and through the sick'ning functions steal; As, when the chilling east invades the spring, The delicate narcissus pines away In hectic languor ; and a slow disease Taints all the family of flowers, condemn'd To cruel heaves. But why, already prone To fade, should beauty cherish its own bane ? O shame! 0 pity ! nipt with pale quadrille, And midnight cares, the bloom of Albion dies. Akmstronc. Cleanliness may be considered the grand secret of preserving beauty, as well as promoting health ; and therefore is applicable to all ages and sexes. It main- tains the limbs in their pliancy ; the skin in its softness; the complexion in its lustre; the eyes in their bright- ness ; the teeth in their purity ; and the constitution in its fairest vigour. The frequent use of tepid baths is not more grateful to the sense, than it is salutary to health, and to beauty. By such ablution all impurities are thrown off; cutane- ous obstructions removed; and, while the surface of the body is preserved in its original brightness, many threatening disorders are put to the rout. Indeed, so important is this regimeif, that every family should make a bathing vessel as indispensable an article in the house as a table. OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 2^i Against the rigours of a damp, cold heaven, To fortify their bodies, some frequent The gelid cistern ; and, where nought forbids, I praise their dauntless heart.--------- With us, the man of no complaint demands The warm ablution just enough to clear The sluices of the skin, enough to keep The body sacred from indecent soil. Still to be pure, ev'n did it not conduce, As much it does, to health, were greatly worth Your daily pains. 'Tis this adorns the rich; The want of this is poverty's worst Avoe ; With this external virtue age maintains A decent grace; Avithout it, youth and charms Are loathsome. This the venal graces know ; So doubtless do your Avives; for married sires, As well as lovers, still pretend to taste; Nor is it less, all prudent Avives can tell, To lose a husband's than a lover's heart. Armstrong. Cleanliness is certainly agreeable to our nature, li sooner attracts our regard than even finery itself, and often gains esteem where that fails. It is an ornament to the highest, as well as the lowest situation, and can not be dispensed with in either. I had occasion, says the author of the Spectator, to go a few miles out of town, some days since, in a stage- coach, where I had for my fellow-travellers, a dirty beau, and a pretty young quaker woman. Having no inclination to talk much, I placed myself backward, Avith a design to survey them, and to pick a speculation out of my two companions. Their different figures were sufficient to draw my attention. The gentleman was dressed in a suit, the ground whereof had been black, as I perceived from some few spaces that had escaped the powder wliich was incorporated Avith the %2% ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART greatest |)art of his coat; his periwig, which cost no small sum, Avas after so slovenly a manner cast over his shoulders, that it seemed not to have been combed since the year 1682 ; his linen, Avhich was not much conceal- ed, was daubed with plain Spanish, from the chin to the lowest button; and the diamond upon his finger, which naturally dreaded the water, put me in mind hoAV it sparkled amidst the rubbish of the mine where it Avas first discovered. On the other hand, the pretty Quaker appeared in all the elegance of cleanliness. Not a speck was to be found upon her. A clean, oval face, just edged about with little thin plaits of the purest cambric, received great advantage from the shade of her black hood; as did the whiteness of her arms from that sober-coloured stuff, in which she had clothed herself. The plainness of her dress was very well suitejl to the simplicity of her phrases; all which, put together, gave me an ex- alted sense both of her good taste and her pure inno- cence. This adventure occasioned my throwing together a feAV hints upon cleanliness, Avhich I shall consider as one of the half-virtues, as Aristotle calls them, and shall recommend it under the three following heads :— As it is a mark of politeness; as it produces regard; and as it bears analogy to purity of mind. First, it is a mark of politeness. It is universally agreed upon, that no one unadorned with this virtue, can go into company without giving a manifest offence. The easier or higher any one's fortune is, this duty arises proportionally. The different nations of the world are as much distinguished by their cleanliness, as by their arts and sciences. The more any country is civilized, the more they consult this part of politeness. We need but compare our ideas of a female Hottentot and an 'English beauty, to be satisfied of what has been advanced. In the next place, cleanliness may be said to be the foster-mother of love. Beauty, indeed, most commonly produces that passion in the mind, but cleanliness pre- serves it. An indifferent face and person, kept in per- petual neatness, has won many a heart from a pretty OF PRESERVING HEALTH. &23 slattern. Age itself is not unamiable, Avhile it is pre- served clean and unsullied; like a piece of marble con- stantly kept clean and bright, we look on it with more pleasure than on a new vessel that is cankered with rust. We might observe farther, that as cleanliness renders us agreeable to others, so it makes us easy to ourselves ; that it is an excellent preservative of health, and that several vices, destructive both to mind and body, are in- consistent Avith the habit of it. We find, from ex- perience, that through the prevalence of custom, the most vicious actions lose their horror, by being made familiar to us. On the contrary, those who live in the neighbourhood of good example, fly from the first ap- pearance of Avhat is shocking. It fares with us much after the same manner as to our ideas. Our senses, which are the inlets of all the images conveyed to the mind, can only transmit the impressions of such things as usually surround them. So that pure and unsullied thoughts are naturally suggested to the mind by those objects that perpetually encompass us, Avhen they ar»' beautiful and elegant in their kind. OF PATRIOTISM. - —Man through all ages of revolving time, Unchanging man in every varying clime, Deems his own land of every land the pride, Belov'd by heaven o'er all the world beside ; % His home a spot of earth supremely blest, A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest. Montgomeju Patriotism, properly defined, is the love of tin- laws, and of the commonwealth. It is a sentiment winch makes us prefer the interest of the public to our own. At the very name of country, the wise and brave feel an enthusiasm which renders them invincible. Patriotism also contributes greatly to the promotion Of good morals; and hence to health, and every other blessing, both private and public Rome, Athens, and 224< ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART Lacedemon, OAved all their glory to patriotism; and their nothingness, to the forgetful ness of tlieir country, their laws, and morals. Happy if these aAvful lessons, read to us in the ex- amples of the great republics of antiquity, could but avail to kindle among us that divine patriotism which once exalted them to such glory among the nations. Among innumerable other blessings, health Avould then be promoted. For the noble virtues of the soul, con- stituting patriotism, as magnanimity, disinterestedness, valour, aud consciousness of doing our duty, would diffuse through the heart that habitual complacency and joy most friendly to health; which would be still fur- ther promoted by that simplicity of manners, and activity of life, which belongs to Republicans. Whereas, on the contrary, in proportion as national patriotism de- cays, health becomes enervated by luxuries and other vices which are sure to overspread a nation that has lost the animating fire of patriotism. John II. king of Portugal, who, for the nobleness of his mind, was worthy of a greater kingdom, when he heard there was a bird called a pelican, that tears and wounds her breast with her bill, that with her own blood she may restore her young ones to life, when left as dead by the bitings of serpents ; this excellent prince took care that the figure of this bird, in this action of hers, should be added to his other royal devices; that he might hereby show, that he was ready upon occa- sion, to part with his own blood for the welfare and preservation of his people and country. Pity it is to conceal their names whose minds have been, in this respect, as pious and princely as his, not fearing to re- deem the lives of their fellow-citizens at the price of tlieir own. Themistocles, the Athenian general, after his many famous exploits, was banished the country, and sought after to be slain; he chose therefore to put himself rather into the power of the Persian king, his enemy- than to expose himself to the malice of his fellow-citi- zens. He was by him received with great joy; inso- OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 325 much that the king, in the midst of his sleep, was heard to cry out thrice aloud, 6i I have with me Themistocles, the Athenian." He also did him great honour, for he allotted him three cities for his table-provisions, and two others for the furniture of his wardrobe and bed* While he remained in that court Avith such splendour and dignity, the Egyptians rebelled, encouraged and also assisted by the Athenians. The Grecian navy was come as far as Cyprus and Cilicia; and Cimon, the Athenian admiral, rode master at sea. This caused the Persian king to levy soldiers, and appoint cona- manders, to repress them. He also sent letters to The- mistocles, then at Magnesia, importing that he had given him the supreme command in that affair, and that he should now be mindful of his promise to him, and undertake this war against Greece. But Themistocles Avas no Avay moved with anger against his ungrateful countrymen, nor incited to wage war with them, by the gift of all this honour and power; for after having sacrificed, he called about him his friends, and having embraced them, he drank a strong poison, and chose rather to close his own life, than to be an instrument of evil to that country of his, which yet had deserved so ill at his hands. Thus died Themistocles in the sixty- fifth year of his age, most of which time he had spent in the management of the republic at home, or as the chief commander abroad. At the siege of Turin by the French army in 1640, a sergeant of the Piedmontese guards signalized himself by a singular example of patriotism; this sergeant guarded with some soldiers, the subterraneous parts of a work of the citadel; the mine was charged, and no- thing was wanting but what is called a sausage or pud- ding, to blow up several companies of grenadiers who served in the work, and posted themselves in it. The loss of the work would have accelerated the surrender of the place. The sergeant, Avith great resolution, or- dered the soldiers he commanded to retire, begging them to desire the king his master to protect his Avife and children. He then set fire to the poAvder, and perished for his country. •3 E 226 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART On the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, in the Ameri- can war, the Loyalist of 23 guns, then inthe Chesapeake, became a party in that disastrous event; her crew were conveyed to the Count de Grasse's fleet—of that fleet the Ardent captured off Plymouth, made one, but was then in a very leaky condition. The Count being in- formed that the carpenter of the Loyalist was a man of talents, and perfectly acquainted Avith the nature of the chain-pump, of which the French were ignorant, order- ed him on board the Ville de Paris, and addressed him thus : " Sir, you are to go on board the Ardent directly; use your utmost skill, and save her from sinking, for which service you shall have a premium, and the en- couragement due to the carpenter of an equal rate in the British navy; to this I pledge my honour; on refusal, you will, during your captivity, be fed on bread and water only." The tar, surprised at being thus address- ed in his OAvn language, boldly ansAvered; "Noble Count, I am your prisoner—it is in your poAver to com- pel me—but never let it be said that a British sailor for- got his duty to his king and his country, and entered voluntarily into the service of the enemy; your pro- mises are no inducement for me, and your threats shall not force me to injure my country." There is a land, of ev'ry land the pride, Belov'd by heaven o'er all the Avorld beside ; Where brighter suns dispense serener light, And milder moons emparadise the night; A land of beauty, virtue, valour, truth, Time-tutor'd age, and love-exalted youth. 6 Where shall that land, that spot of eairth be found ?' Art thou a man?—& patriot?—look around; O thou shalt find, howe'er thy footsteps roam, That land thy country, and that spot thy home ! Montgomery. As Americans, we feel the love of country, not merely because of the idea that it is the land where we were born, but because it is the land where we enjoy free- OF PRESERVING HEALTH. %%7 dom, and equal rights, and every blessing that can sAveeten life, and gild it over with glory. Hence we need not have gone back to ancient times to sIioav what men have dared from patriotism. No, thank God! we have in our own country, and in our OAvn days, names as bright as ever adorned the annals of time. The memory of my exulting reader is already flying before me to a host of heroes, who even courted wounds and death for their country. To Lawrence, whose last words were, " Don't give up the ship /"— to Burrowes, who, when desperately wounded on the deck, said, "I won't be carried below ; prop me up that I may see my brave men at their guns ."'—to LoAvry Donaldson, who cried, " My gallant countrymen, I die, but don't let the cause of freedom die with me /"—to Daviess, who, on the field of Tippecanoe, smiling in the arms of fate, exclaimed, (C Thank God, I die in the best of causes !"—to a common sailor, who, while below, dressing for a mortal wound, and hearing his companions on deck shouting for victory, snatched away the shattered stump of his arm, saying, " Let me go, doctor ; I know I am dying ; but I must give one huzza more for my country!"—to Pike, Covington, Gibson, Wood, Holmes, Stoddard, Beasley, Mead, Spencer, Wattles, Hoppuck, Bradford, Armistead, Vanhorn, Jack, Middleton, Wool- folk, Smith, M'Donough, Blaney, Legate, Yates, Jack- son, O'Fling, of the army—to Allen, LudloAv, Wilmer, Funk, Babbit, Hamilton, Howell, Stansbury, Gamble, Cowell, Williams, Brookes, Bush, Broome, of the navy —to Davis, Allen, Lauderdale, Henderson, Graves, Hickman, Hart, M'Cracken, Hooper, Pace, Buel, Ha- milton, Evans, Quarks, BroAvn, Belknap, Blakesley, Clagget, Clemm, Rosevelt, Poe, of the militia—and a thousand other Martyrs of Liberty, avIio all rushed into the battle as if animated by the immortal Wash- ington's injunction,—" Remember, that you are going to fight for Liberty /" and who all died rejoicing that they had shed their blood to cement her holy Fabric. »• To live with fame the gods allow to many, but to die with equal lustre, is a gift which Heaven selects from all the choicest boons of fate, and with a sparing. hand on few bestows." S28 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART OF RELIGION. Yet, though kind Heav'n points outth' unerring mad, That leads through nature up to bliss and God ; Spite of that God, and all his voice divine, Speaks to the heart, or teaches from the shrine, Man, feebly vain, and impotently wise, Disdains the manna sent him from the skies j Tasteless of all that virtue gives to please, For thought too active, and too mad for ease, From wish to wish in life's mad vortex lost, For ever struggling, and for ever lost; He scorns Religion, though her seraphs call, And lives in rapture, or not lives at all. C AWT HORN. Some of my readers may perhaps consider, that in a book which professes to treat of Health, I should so far forget the text as to introduce the subject of Religion. But I trust they will cease to wonder when they consi- der that health is the physical result of nicely balanced appetites and passions, and that there exists no power on earth, that can so attune these into harmony, as Re- ligion. Cast your eye around you, and say whence have sprung most of the diseases, both mental and cor- poreal, but from lack of this divine guardian of man, Re- ligion. By this great name, I do not mean that hypocrisy Avhich consists in gloomy faces, nor that narrow bigotry Avhich rests on particular form; the one only sIioavs that religion is very galling to their feelings; the other is but too often false and treacherous, deluding those who behold them, into the opinion of their superior sanctity and virtue. Nor can I entertain a more favourable opinion of those who make a profession of religion and ex- hibit too much levity. It is a maxim among politicians, " that those Avho know not how to dissemble, know not how to rule." But this will not hold in religion, where virtue is at all times to be the guide of our actions. And the wretch who Avould dissemble before God, is an abominable hypocrite—worse than the Atheist—nay Worse than the beast of the earth. Religion has too often been the mask of dissimulation OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 22$ and hypocrisy, by which many innocent persons have been deluded, then off goes the disguise, and the devil appears in his own likeness. Oliver Cromwell was a hypocrite in perfection ; for though he had more than ordinary sense and courage, yet he Avould whine and cant to admiration, when he found that it would better advance his designs among the fanatics. He was of no one faction in religion, and yet by his deep dissimulation, kept himself the supreme head of them all. He cajoled the Presbyterians, flat- tered the Independants, carressed the Anabaptists, and kept thein in continual jar with one another, that they might have no leisure to unite against him ; and thus accomplished his diabolical design, of placing himself at the head of the government. There are some religionists who are so illiberal as to express a belief, that those only of their persuasion are in the right road to heaven ! Strange infatuation ! Can this be consistent with the Scriptures or reason ? The pure spirit of the gospel of Clirist breathes forth a holy religion, founded on meekness, charity, kindness, and brotherly love; but bigotry or anything like fanaticism has quite a contrary effect. In mental illusion, imagination, Avhen she first begins to exercise her powers, seizes on some fact, of the real na- ture of which the mind has but an obscure idea, and, for want of tracing it through all its connexions and de- pendencies, misleads reason into the darkest paths of error. The wild conjectures, and extravagant opinions which have issued from this source, are innumerable. The voice of the calm inquirer, Reason, is incapable of being heard amidst the tumult; and the favourite image is animated and enlarged by the glowing fire of the passions. No power remains to control or regulate, much less to subdue, this mental ray, which inflames the whole soul, and exalts it into the fervour of Enthusiasm, hurries it into the extravagance of Superstition, or pre- cipitates it into the furious frenzies of Fanaticism. The growth of fanaticism, whether religious or po- litical, is not confined exclusively to any age or country; the seeds of it have been but too plentifully sown in 230 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART all the regions of the earth ; and are equally banefu] and injurious in Avhatever soil they spring. Every bold, turbulent, and intriguing spirit, who has sufficient artifice to inflame the passions of the inconstant multitude, the moment he calls the demon of fanaticism to his aid, becomes troublesome, by producing fermentations highly detrimental to the peace of society, and frequently dan- gerous to the government under which he lives. The fire of fanaticism is, indeed, so subtilely powerful, that it is capable of inflaming the coldest minds. The rapidity of its progress certainly depends, in a great de- gree, on the nature of thfr materials on which it acts: but, like every dangerous conflagration, its first appear- ances should- be watched, and every means taken to ex- tinguish its flames. The extinction is perhaps, most happily and readily effected by those counteractions Avhich the common occupations, and daily duties of life produce on the mind, Avhen judiciously opposed to the flagrant evil. Of the advantages, at least, of this re- source, a circumstance in the history of the late Dr. Fothergill, affords a remarkable example. This celebrated physician, says Dr. Zimmerman, pos- sessed the greatest tranquillity of mind, and had obtain- ed so complete a dominion over his passions, that he de- clared to a friend, recently before his death, that he could not recollect a single instance, during the Avhole course of Ms life, in which they had been improperly disturb- ed. This temper, Avhich Avas perfectly suited to the cha- racter of the religion he professed, the tenets of wliich he strictly practised, he maintained on all occasions; nor Avas there any thing in his general conduct or manner that betrayed to his most familiar friends the least pro- pensity towards enthusiasm; and yet, distant as the suspicion must be, under these circumstances, that he should ever be under the influence of superstition, it is Avell known, that Avhile he was a student at Edinburgh, Avhere he Avas distinguished for the mildness of his manners, and the regularity of his conduct, he one day in an eccentric sally of fanaticism, ran almost entirely- naked, througli the streets of that city, warning all its inhabitants of the impending Avrath of Heaven and exhort- OF PRESERVING HEALTH 231 ing them in the most solemn manner, to avert the approach- ing danger, by humbly imploring the mercy of an of- fended Deity. But this religious paroxysm was of short duration. He Avas a* this time in habits of intimacy with the great characters who then filled the professional chairs of the University, and ardently engaged in the pursuits of study; and the exercises which his daily task required, together with the company and conver- sation of these rational, well-informed, and thinking men, preserved his reason, and soon restored him to the full and free enjoyment of those faculties, from which both science and humanity afterwards derived so many benefits. " Blest is the man, as far as earth can bless, Whose measur'd Passions reach no Avild excess ; Who, urg'd by Nature's voice, her gifts enjoys, Nor other means than Nature's force employs. While Avarm with youth the sprightly current Aoavs, Each vivid sense with vig'rous rapture gloAvs; And when he droops beneath the hand of age, No vicious habit stings Avith fruitless rage; Gradual his strength and gay sensations cease, While joys tumultuous sink in silent peace." It is that fervent love of God and man, constituting the heart-gladdening religion of Christ, which I mean. This not only gives a check to our passions, but also ensures a happiness, Avhich is " like a tree, Avhose leaf shall not fail." The man Avho loves God, enjoys that first of felici- ties, the consciousness of having placed his affections on the only object in the universe that .truly deserves them. O ! how amiable is gratitude ; especially when it has the Supreme Benefactor for its object. It is the most exalted principle that can actuate the heart of man. When a good man looks round him on this vast world, where beauty and goodness are reflected from every object, and where he beholds millions of crea- tures in their different ranks, enjoying the blessings of 232 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART existence, he looks up to the Universal Father, and his heart glows Avithin him. And in every comfort which sAveetens his own life, he discerns the same in- dulgent hand. Thus it is that gratitude prepares a good man for the enjoyment of prosperity ; for not only has he as full a relish as others of the innocent pleasures of life, but, moreover, in these he holds communion Avith God. In all that is good or fair he traces his hand. From the beauties of nature, from the improve- ments of art, from the blessings of public or private life, he raises his affections to the great Fountain of all the happiness which surrounds him, and this Avidens the sphere of his enjoyments, by adding to the pleasures of sense, the far more exquisite joys of the heart. Adversity is the grand test of Avhat is true and what is false among the different objects of our choice; and our love of God, tried by this, Avill soon discover its infinite value and excellence. Persons of every cha- racter are liable to distress. The man who loveth God, and he who loveth him not, is exposed to the stroke of adversity. But on the bad man adversity falls Avith dou- ble Aveight, because it finds him, Avithout defence and Avithout resource. But to the man whose soul rejoices in his God, adversity has nothing gloomy and terrible. Believing every thing in the world to be under the ad- ministration of God, and looking up to that God as to an all-wise ar d benevolent Father and Friend, he Avel- comes every thing that comes from him. If this good- ness of God is so admirably seen in the works of Na- ture, and the favours of Providence, with what a noble superiority does it even triumph in the ministry of re- demption. Redemption is the brightest mirror in Avhich to contemplate the most lovely attribute of the Deity. Herein God manifests his love for poor sinful mortals, in so stupendous a manner, that it is beyond parallel: beyond thought; above all blessing and praise.—Incom- prehensible love! May it henceforward be the favourite subject of my meditation; more delightful to my musing mind, than applause to the ambitious ear! May it be the darling theme of my discourse; sweeter to my tongue than the dropping of the honey-comb to my taste! May OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 233 it be my choicest comfort through all the changes of life, and my reviving cordial even in the last extremities of dissolution itself! Religion, as justly observed by Dr. Dodd, is such a sense of God on the soul, and our obligation to, and de* pendence upon him, as to make it our principal study to do that which we think will be pleasing in his sight, and to avoid every thing which we think Avill offend him. As he is the fountain of goodness and justice, of course religion must be the foundation of all Christian, and moral virtue—to do good to all, and to avoid giving offence to, or injuring willingly, even those who are ene- mies and persecutors. It is so far from debarring us of any innocent plea- sure or comfort of human life, that it purifies our en- joyments, and renders them more grateful and gene- rous—and besides this, it brings mighty pleasures of its own; those of a glorious hope, a serene mind, a calm and undisturbed conscience, and thus makes us habitual- ly cheerful. Thou, Cheerfulness, by heaven design'd To sway the movements of the mind, Whatever fretful passion springs, Whatever wayAvard fortune brings To disarrange the power Avithin, And strain the musical machine; Thou, Goddess, thy attempering hand Doth each discordant string command, Refines the soft, and swells the strong; And, joining Nature's general song, Through many a varying tone unfolds The harmony of human souls. Akenside. Cheerfulness is consistent with every species of vir- tue and practice of religion. It is an implicit praise and thanksgiving to Providence, under all its dispensa- tions. Jt is a kind of acquiescence in the state Avhereia 3 F 234 ON HYGEINEj OR THE ART we are placed, and a secret approbation of the Divine will in his conduct towards man. As I was betwixt sleeping and waking, says a sublime author, I perceived one of the most shocking figures imagination can frame, advancing towards me. She was drest in black, her eyes deep sunk in her head, and her complexion pale and livid as the coun- tenance of death. Her looks were filled with terror and unrelenting severity, and her hands armed with whips and scorpions. As soon as she came near, with a horrid frown, and a voice that chilled my very blood, she bade me follow her. 1 obeyed, and she led me through rugged paths, beset Avith briars and thorns, and a deep solitary valley. Wherever she passed, the fading verdure Avithered beneath her steps ; her pesti- lential breath infected the air-with malignant vapours, obscured the lustre of the sun, and invoked the fair face of heaven in universal gloom. Dismal howlings resounded through the forests ; from every baleful tree the night raven croaked his dreadful note; and the prospect Avas filled Avith desolation and horror. In the midst of this tremendous scene, she addressed me in the folloAving manner : " Retire with me, 0 rash, unthinking mortal, from the vain allurements of a deceitful world, and learn that pleasure was not designed the portion of human life. Man was born to mourn, and to be wretched: this is the condition of all beloAv the stars, and Avhoever endeavours to oppose it, acts in contradiction to the will of Heaven. Fly then from the fatal enchantments of youth and social delight, and here consecrate the solita- ry hours to lamentation and woe. Misery is the duty of all sublunary beings, and every enjoyment is au of- fence to the Deity, who is to be worshipped only by the mortification of every sense of pleasure, and the everlasting exercise of sighs and tears." This melancholy picture of life quite sunk my spirits, and seemed to annihilate every principle of happiness Avithin me. I threw myself beneath a blasted yeAV, where the Avinds blew cold and dismal round my head, and dreadful apprehensions chilled my heart. Here 1 OF PRESERVING HEALTH. g35 resolved to lie till the hand of death, which I impatient- ly invoked, should put an end to the miseries of a life so deplorably wretched. In this sad situation I spied on one hand of me a deep muddy river, Avhose heavy waves rolled on in slow and sullen murmurs, when I found myself suddenly surprised by the sight of the loveliest object I ever beheld. The most engaging charms of youth and beauty appeared in all her form; effulgent glories sparkled in her eyes, and their awful splendours were softened by the gentlest looks of com- placency and peace. At her approach the frightful spectre, who had before tormented me, vanished away, and with her all the horrors she had caused. The gloomy clouds brightened in cheerful sunshine, the groves recovered their verdure, and the whole region looked gay and blooming as the garden of Eden. I was quite transported at the unexpected change, and reviving hope began to glad my thoughts, when, with a look of inexpressible sweetness, my beauteous deliverer thus uttered her divine instructions : " My name is Religion. I am the offspring of Truth and Love, and the parent of Benevolence, Hope, and Joy. That monster, from whose poAver I have freed you, is called Superstition ; she is the child of Discontent, and her followers are Fear and Sorrow. Thus different as we are, she has often the insolence to assume my name and character, and seduces unhappy mortals to think us the same, till she at length drives them to the borders of despair; that dreadful abyss, into Avhich you were just going to sink. " Look around, and survey the various beauties of the globe, Avhich heaven has destined for the seat of the human race, and consider whether a world thus ex- quisitely framed, could be meant for the abode of mise- ry and pain. For what end has the lavish hand of Providence diffused such innumerable objects of de- light, but that all might rejoice in the privilege of ex- istence, and be filled with gratitude to the beneficent Author of it ? Thus to enjoy the blessings he has sent, is virtue and obedience ; and to reject them merely as means of pleasure, is* pitiable ignorance, or absurd per- S36 ON HYGEINE, OR THE ART verseness. Infinite goodness is the source of created existence; the proper tendency of every rational being, from the highest order of raptured seraphs, to the mean- est rank of men, is to rise incessantly from lower de- grees of happiness to higher. They have each faculties assigned them for various orders of delights." " What," cried I, " is this the language of Religion ? Does she lead her votaries through flowery paths, and bid them pass an unlaborious life !" " The true enjoy. ments of a reasonable being," answered she, mildly, (i do not consist in unbounded indulgence, or luxurious ease, the tumult of passions, the languor of indulgence^ or the flutter of light amusements. Those are often raised into the greatest transports of joy, who are sub- ject to the greatest depressions of melancholy: on the contrary, cheerfulness, though it does not give the mind such an exquisite gladness, prevents us from falling into depths of sorrow. Mirth is like a flash of lightning, that breaks through a gloom of clouds, and glitters for a moment. Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of day-light in the mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity." Were men sensible of the happiness that results from true religion, the voluptuous man would' there seek his pleasure, the covetous man his Avealth, and the ambi- tious man his glory. In vain Ave seek a heaven below the sky; The world has false but flattering charms: Its distant joys shoAv big in our esteem, But lessen still as they draw near the eye; In our embrace the visions die : And when Ave grasp the airy forms, We lose the pleasing dream. Watts. Let the affections of a man be once softened aud dul- cefied with Divine love, and iie is for ever secure from the sudden apoplexies of the passionate,—the poisonous cups of the drunkard,—the murdering pistol of the du- OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 337 ellist—the assassinating dagger of the jealous—the loath- some diseases of the harlot—and the wasting hectics of the gambler. The love of gaming is the Avorst of ills; With ceaseless storms the blacken'd soul it fills y Inveighs at Heaven, neglects the ties of blood; Destroys the power and Avill of doing good ; Kills health, paAvns honour, plunges in disgrace, And what is still more dreadful—spoils your face. Young. Though justice and judgment are called the work of God, yet his mercy as more natural to him, is said to rejoice against judgment; but these his attributes have their alternate courses ; for the presumptuous boldness of man groAvs often to such an excessive height, as to extort a vengeance from his unwilling hands, that by this Avholesome severity others may be cautioned against secure sinning, upon the foolish confidence of Heaven's inadvertence, or impotency to punish. A man having spoken slanderous words against a gentleman who had it in his poAver to punish him, Avhen accused of the falsehood, to justify himself, said, " If he spoke them, he desired God to send an immediate token of his wrath upon his body, and in case he should defer to do it, he wished the devil might." Immediately he fell down in an apoplectic fit, which he never had be- fore, and continued for several years to have them. A gentleman of——-, having lost a considerable sum by a match at cock-fighting, to Avhich practice he Avas notoriously addicted, sAvore, in the most horrid manner, that he Avould never fight another cock as long as he lived ; frequently calling upon God to damn his soul to all eternity, if he did; and, Avith dreadful imprecations wishing the devil might fetch him, if ever he made an- other bet. Abont two years afterwards, Satan, whose Avilling servant he was, inspired him with a violent de- sire to attend a cock-fighting at----, and he complied Avith the temptation. When he came to the place, he 338 on hygeine, or the art stood up as in defiance of heaven, and cried, vo days past, but I Avould not mention it, being under the impression you would forbid my taking it." Learning that Dr. Thornton had some of that description, I immediately obtained a feAV bottles, and giving her a glass of it, di- luted with a little water, it acted like a charm,—and, in a feAV weeks I had the very great satisfaction of seeing my fair patient perfectly restored to health. The Avarm bath, or local applications, such as flannels Avrung out of a warm decoction of camomile flowers, or mint leaves stewed in spirits, or equal parts of sAveet oil and laudanum rubbed on the stomach, have done much good; and Avhen these fail, a large blister, or a cata- plasm of mustard-seed, ought instantly to be applied over the region of this organ. When the stomach is in a very irritable state, the patient may frequently moisten his mouth and throat with cold water, but shouid drink as little as possible of any liquid. Wakefulness, or inability to sleep, will often yield to the warm bath and blisters, and when they fail, a glass or two of porter or the camphorated julep may be given, BILIOUS FEVER. 259 which also failing, a dose of laudanum is proper at bed time, provided there exists no considerable in- flammatory diathesis. The pain in the bowels is mostly relieved by the warm bath, or a moderate bleeding and emollient in- jections to Avhich occasionally, may be added twenty or thirty drops of laudanum; if these produce not the de- sired effect, and the fundament is scalded from the evacu- ations, give glysters of milk and lime water, composed of half a pint of each; these failing, inject every hour with cold Avater, and apply clothes wrung out of it, to the belly. If a delirium comes on in the first stage of the dis- ease, it is to be treated by bleeding, purging, and the means prescribed above for violent headach; but should it occur at a later period, the pulse weak and irregular, Avith a great propensity to sleep, besides making cold applications to the head, the body should be frequently sponged with cold vinegar and Avater, or equal parts of vinegar and spirits. And should not the recollection in a few hours become more improved, and the pulse fuller and more uniform from this mode of treatment, it will be proper to apply a blister to the head, and sinapisms or blisters to the extremities; besides which, wine or some cordial must be alloAved; and if there be a cold sweat, or coldness of the extremities, flannels wrung out of hot spirits, or spirits of camphor, ought to be ap- plied often around the arms, legs and thighs. On the decline of this fever, patients are sometimes troubled Avith night sweats, to relieve which, gentle ex- ercise in fresh air, and the tonic powder or pills, (see (Recipe 4 & 23,) or bark and elixir vitriol will be proper. Regimen. With respect to regimen, the food and drink should be varied, and adapted to the taste of the patient. Nature perhaps, generally takes care, that no error shall be committed in that way, during the con- tinuance of this disease. The patient is seldom per- suaded to swallow any thing but liquids, during the prevalence of the fever, and if by accident he should have an inclination for something more solid, arrow rooj- 260 REMITTENT, OR sago, corn, or rice, gruel, mush, panado, custards, roast- ed apples, oranges, grapes, or other mild ripe fruits, are all that should be allowed. To allay the thirst, barley or rice Avater, apple water, tamarind Avater, molasses and water, toast and water, or cold spring water, lemonade, raspberry or currant jelly, dissolved in Avater, mint or balm tea, acilduated Avith lemon juice, or other pleasant acids, may be given with great benefit, in fre- quent, but small quantities. These cooling drinks not only quench thirst, but also tend to excite perspiration. Washing the face and hands of the patient from time to time with vinegar and Avater, is always refreshing. The room should be somewhat darkened, and kept moderately cool, by a constant succession of fresh air; taking care, however, that the current of wind is not immediately directed on the patient. The covering of the bed ought to be such as is found most comfortable, and the body kept as nearly as possible, at rest. When the fever subsides, and the patient regains a desire for food, it Avill be best, in addition to the mild articles of diet already mentioned, to begin with puddings of vari- ous kinds, neAV-laid eggs boiled soft, soups Avith vegeta- bles, raw oysters, &c. resuming his usual diet gradual- ly, as he finds his health return. To keep up the tone of the system, a moderate use of genuine wine, or porter diluted, or brandy, or rum and water made Aveak, will be proper; at the same time paying due attention to air, cleanliness, and exer- cise. Thus have I detailed, in the clearest manner, accord- ing to my experience, the best curative means of this the most prevalent and dangerous of all our Southern maladies. It is hoAvever much easier to prevent, than cure diseases ; and in order to the first, I will point out the general means which have been found conducive to this great end, and which constant experience has sanc- tioned. Prevention. To obviate the attack of summer and autumnal fevers,Ave should intercept their causes,or guard the habit as much as possible against their influence. BILIOUS FEVER. 26l Therefore, on visiting a Avarm climate Avhere any epi- demic prevails, the first step is to prepare the system as much as possible, for the unavoidable change ir is about to undergo; and this preparation consists in living temperately, and taking every other night, or oftener, one or two grains of calomel, or chewing rhubarb, or drinking molasses and water, or using sulphur in such doses as to increase the discharge by the bowels, Avith- out debilitating the system. If there prevails a fulness of habit, the loss of ten or twelve ounces of blood will also be a useful precaution. Next to this, an imprudent exposure to the heat of the sun, or night air, should be strictly avoided. Hard drinking is another cause of disease, which should be carefully guarded against in Avarm climates, particularly by seamen, Avho of all others, are perhaps, the most inattentive to health. The same admonition applies to their sleeping on deck during the night, and cold bathing when overheated, or in a state of intoxica- tion, Avhich by suddenly checking the copious perspira- tion, seldom fails to bring on disease. Cold moist air is a frequent cause of disease in warm climates; hence too much attention cannot be paid to comfortable fires, and suiting the dress to the changes of the Aveather. Flannel next to the skin, is one of the chief preser- vatives of health. Many people indeed, clamour against it as tending to debilitate, because it creates perspiration. But this is altogether a silly prejudice; as mild perspi- ration, or a soft skin, so far from being hurtful, is the very habit of health. It preserves a proper medium of temperature, by absorbing the excessive moisture from the body during the day, and by preAenting the effects of the cold damp air at night. Cleanliness, both in our persons and apartments, is so essential to health, as to form a leading consideration in all our views to that first of blessings. The neglect of this not only renders a man loathsome and offensive to himself, but gives rise to many of our most inveterate and fatal diseases. Among the various means used for the prevention of 262 REMITTENT, OR BILIOUS FEVER. diseases, and for the preservation of health in general, none is perhaps more beneficial in warm climates, than good wine prudently used. It increases the circulation of the fluids, promotes both the secretions and excre- tions, and invigorates all the functions of the body. How much is it then to be lamented, that so valuable a cordial cannot ahvays be got pure ; from the avarice of selfish men, avIio, at a Ioav price purchase tart or half- spoiled Avines, and, to render them saleable, adulterate them with the most poisonous ingredients ; so that they become the most insidious foes to health. The common red Avines are most generally adulte- rated, and artificially coloured, as manifested by a red sediment in the glass, as well as in the bottle. But the most pernicious of all adulterations of Avine, is that of sugar of lead, or lead itself, which gives it a sAveet taste; and therefore it ought to be remembered, that every wine of a SAveetish taste, accompanied with astringent qualities, may justly be suspected to be adulterated with that noxious mineral.* When the genuine Avine cannot be procured, good old spirits are of considerable service, especially when taken in small quantities, and much diluted. These pleasant preventiA'es, whether under the name of grog or toddy, must, in consequence of their gentle stimulant qualities, be peculiarly beneficial to persons Avhose lot is cast in Ioav situations and moist air. But they should never forget, that no Avhere is the great virtue of self- government more necessary, than in their use. For if indulged to excess, they seldom fail whenever a pre- disposition to anj particular disease lurks in the system, to rouse it to action. * To detect wine adulterated with lead : take two drachms of cream of tartar, and one drachm of dry liver of sulphur, which must be put in a two ounce vial, filled with distilled or soft water. The vial must be kept well corked, and occasionally shaken for about ten minutes ; when the powder has subsided, decant the clear liquor, and preserve it in a well-stopped bottle for use. From sixteen to twenty drops of this liquid are to be dropped in a small glass filled with the wine suspected to have been adulterated; and if the wine turns blackish or muddy, and deposits a dark-coloured sediment, we may be certain it is impregnated with sugar of lead, or some other prepara- tion of that metal, equally destructive. NERVOUS FEVER. 363 In like manner Ave must have regard to a proper re- gulation of diet, which consists in preserving the happy mean between long fasting on the one hand, and immo- derate eating on the other. Vegetables are peculiarly adapted to warm climates, and consequently should constitute the better part of our diet. Sweet oil, Avhen pure, is perfectly wholesome ; but rancid oil, butter, fat, or meat the least tainted, must be wholly rejected. To those of weak habit and bad digestion, much be- nefit will result from a glass of the infusion of columbo. or camomile, or cold water, every morning, on an empty stomach. Such are the general means for preserving health, and preventing diseases in a southern climate. The chief point is to avoid the exciting causes, and keep the bowels always moderately lax. See Appendix. NERVOUS FEVER. The fevers already described, and indeed all dis- eases attended Avith a considerable degree of morbid heat, affect in some measure the nervous system; but in this particular species, the nervous system is more immedi- ately and more violently affected, than in any other. When a fever is once produced, from whatever cause, it seldom fails, by long continuance, to occasion all the symptoms wliich appear in the nervous or malignant fever. This fever has been described by different authors under various names ; the typhus or nervous fever, the slow fever,the gaol fever, the hospital fever, the ship fever, the petechial fever, the putrid fever, and the malignant fever. The first appellation it receives from its attacking the brain and from the effects it produces on the nervous system. The second, from the slow and gradual manner in Avhich it sometimes attacks. The third, fourth, and fifth, from their being apt to arise in gaols, hospitals, and ships, ay hen numbers of men are crowded together, and Avhen sufficient care is not taken to have such places well ventilated and cleansed. The sixth, from certain spots Avhich sometimes appear on the skin £64 NERVOUS FEVER. of the patients, labouring under this disease; the sc. venth, from a putrid state, or tendency supposed to take place in the fluids; and the last, from the dangerous nature and malignity of the fever : but they are all one and the same disease; variously modified, according to the violence of the symptoms, and the different consti- tutions of the patients. Symptoms. The symptoms are commonly more various in this, than in any other fever. It sometimes creeps on in such a sIoav insidious manner, that the pa- tient will have suffered the disease to make considera- ble progress, before he thinks it necessary to use any remedies. On other occasions it comes on Avith a great degree of rapidity, and Avith many of the symptoms common to all fevers. Thus, it commences with alternate sensations of heat and cold, a want of appetite, nausea, and occasionally vomiting. These are folloAved by some confusion of the head, a sense of weakness, dejection of spirit, tre- mor of the hands, and frequently sighing without know- ing the cause. At this stage the pulse is irregular, some- times a little quicker, at other times about the natural standard, A dull and heavy pain with a sense of cold- ness, possesses the back part of the head in some, and others, a pain in the orbit of one eye. These symptoms gradually increasing, the pulse be- comes smaller and at the same time quicker, while the arteries of the temples and neck beat with additional force. The patient is generally more restless towards night, the breathing is somewhat difficult, and very lit- tle refreshment is obtained, from his short and disturb- ed slumbers. During these symptoms, the patient often utters vague and unconnected sentences, and not unfre- quently deafness supervenes. As the disease advances, the hands tremble so as to prevent his guiding them to his mouth ; the fingers are in constant motion; the tongue becomes dry, of a dark colour, and trembles when attempted to be put out; and sometimes the gums and lips are covered Avith a dark viscid substance. To these succeed stupor, cold clammy sweats, with a foetid smell, hiccup and twitching of the NERVOUS FE\TER. 265 iendons, together with an involuntary discharge" of the excrements. Causes. This fever is occasioned by impure air, and putrid animal and vegetable effluvia. We are therefore not surprised to find it often originate* in gaols, ships, and dirty dwellings; where numbers are crowd- ed together, and Avhere it is not possible to have suffi- cient ventilation. Though human contagion, and the effluvia arising from putrid animal and vegetable substances, are the most frequent and active cause of this disease, yet they cannot be considered as the only ones; for we some- times meet with instances in a country neighbourhood, of persons being seized with the disease in all its malig- nity ; where it is not epidemic, nor can it be ti aced to any place where the human effluvia could be supposed to be confined in any uncommon degree. Hence nastiness; a moist atmosphere; much fatigue; cold depressing passions; low scanty diet; excessiA'e study; too free use of mercury; immoderate venery; profuse hemorrhage, or whatever weakens the ner- vous system, may be enumerated among the causes. Treatment. With regard to the cure, Avhere the inflammatory symptoms appear to run very high, bleed- ing may be cautiously used. But it will be generally safest, to resort to a pretty active evacuation of the ali- mentary canal. Therefore, on the first appearance of the symptoms, tAventy or thirty grains of ipecacuanha, or four or five grains of tartar emetic, may be dissolved in a pint or more of Aveak camomile tea; of which the patient may drink a gill every fifteen or twenty minutes, until it excites vomiting; which ought to be assisted by drink- ing freely of Avarm water. If this medicine proves only emetic, the intestines should be evacuated the following day by a dose of rhubarb, cream of tartar, or cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11.) The saline mixture (see Recipe 14-,) given in a state of effervescence, every tAvo hours, readily abates thirst, and removes the increased irritability of the system. In 2 K 2m NERVOUS FEVER. like manner, a table-spoonful of yeast, given every three or four hours, affords much relief, and has alone, often proved an effectual remedy. Whatever may be the mode of action of yeast in ty- phus, the -fact appears to be indisputable, that fixed air takes off that extreme debility of the stomach so con- spicuously marked in disorders of this nature ; and in proportion as that subsides, the pulse rises, becomes slower and fuller, the burning heat on the skin disap- pears, and a truce is gained for the reception of nourish- ing supplies. The most agreeable mode of administer- ing yeast, is to add two table-spoonfuls of it to a quart of beer or mild porter, of which a wine-glassful may be taken every hour or two. According to the practice of Drs. Thomas, Currie, and Jackson, as Avell as other eminent practitioners, the af- fusion of cold Avater is one of the most powerful and efficacious means Avhich we can make use of in typhus fever. Its effects will be more salutary in proportion as it is adopted early, or during the first stage of the disease. Such being an indisputable fact, established upon the firmest basis, Ave ought always to employ it, very soon after we have evacuated the contents of the alimentary canal. In the early stage of the disease, cold water may be poured in considerable quantity from a height, or dashed forcibly from a pail on the patient. But aspersion or ablution of the body, by means of a sponge, will be more eligible and safe in the advanced periods. The effects produced by both modes are grateful and refreshing to the patient, and they usually bring about an abatement of fever, folloAved by more or less of a diaphoresis, and this again by a refreshing sleep. Dr. Currie states, that the cold affusion may be used at any time of the day Avhen there is no sense of chilli- ness present; when the heat is steadily above what is natural; and when there is no general or profuse per- spiration. During the cold stage of the paroxysm of fever, while there is any considerable sense of chilliness present, or Avhere the body is under profuse sensible perspiration, this remedy ought never to be employed, NERVOUS FEVER. 267 as we might extinguish life by it. In the advanced stage of fever, when the heat is reduced, and the debility great, some cordial, such as wine warmed Avith an addi- tion of spice, or even brandy, should be given immedi- ately after it. As the danger of this fever, is in proportion to the de- bility, the great point is to keep up the strength by a liberal use of bark with wine, Avhich should be given on the remission, in such forms as might best agree with the patient: a nourishing diet at the same time should be used, suited to the taste of the patient; taking care to produce an evacuation daily by glysters; and when these are not effectual, a small dose of rhubarb, cream of tartar, or some gentle purge may occasionally be given. By this general plan, a cure will for the most part be effected; but in the progress of the disease, particular morbid symptoms will require especial treatment. Thus, affections of the head with* stupor and delirium, will sometimes be relieved by shaving the head, and fre- quently applying cloths wrung out of cold vinegar and water to it. But if these affections, notwithstanding, should continue, a blister to the head, and sinapisms to the feet, will be required. When a diarrhoea or looseness occurs, three or four drops of laudanum, or double the quantity of the an- odyne sudorific drops, (see Receipe 17,) should be given in a little mulled wine, and repeated as may be found necessary. In case of watchfulness, the camphorated julep or porter and Avater will generally succeed. When how- ever, these means fail, and there is great prostration of strength, followed by stupor, and a train of the most distressing symptoms, wine should be exhibited in large quantities; and it will be found that the patient will sIioav a relish for this valuable cordial, after refusing medicines and every kind of nourishment in a solid form. At first it is better relished mulled; but after- Avards, the patient will take it freely in its pure state, and in the quantity of one or tAvo quarts a day without intoxication. 268 NERVOUS FEVER. The proper rule to b e observed in the use of wine, is to give it until the pulsii fills, the delirium abates, and a greater degree of warmth returns to the extremities. And upon the smallest appearance of the stupor re- turning, the pulse quickening, and sinking, for they usually go together, the wine must be resumed, and persevered in that quantity which is found sufficient to keep up the pulse, and Avard off the other bad symptoms. When wine cannot be had, rum or brandy diluted with milk, or Avater sAveetened, will answer, and with some patients are better relished. The friends of the sick should never be disheartened too soon, for here, if any where, Ave may say " while there is life, there is hope." And I can truly aver that I have often seen the patient raised, as it Avere from the dead, by the determined use of generous wine alone, old Maderia especially. As soon as the patient is able to take nourishment, such as panado, arrow root, &c. the quantity of wine must be gradually diminished. For although it be ab- solutely necessary to take it so liberally, during the con- tinuance of this fever, yet, as soon as that shall have left the patient, much caution becomes necessary in the use of it: since the third part of what formerly had proved a salutary cordial and restorative, would in this state of convalescence, occasion a dangerous intoxication. When the patient is able to resume the bark, it may be given in such doses as the stomach will bear; and in case of aversion to it, an infusion of camomile floAvers, columbo, or pomegranate bark, may be substituted. (See Materia Medica.) Blisters, as Avell as sinapisms, are serviceable, by their stimulating effects; but they should not be con- tinued on long at a time : and when a blister is raised in this disease, the sore should be frequently washed with an infusion of bark; and nothing ought to be ap- plied to the part which may tend to increase the dis- charge; for that, by debilitating the system, would prove injurious. In the course of the disease, if the lips and teeth are covered with a dark crust, attended Avith ulcers in the mouth and throat, the detergent gargle (see Recipe 4$,) should be frequently used. NERVOUS FEVER. 269 In every malignant case, this fever ends fatally on or before the seventh day; but more frequently those AA7ho die, are carried off about the middle or toAvards the end of the second week. When the patient survives the twentieth day, it rarely happens that he does not re- cover. When the fever terminates favourably before, or at the end of the second week, the crisis is generally obvious; but when that happens at a later period, par- ticularly if after the third Aveek, the favourable turn is less evident; and sometimes several days pass, during which the disease goes off so gradually, that the most experienced are in doubt whether it abates or not. At length, hoAvever, it becomes evident by a warm moisture on the skin, by the dark-coloured gluey substance Avhich adheres to the gums and lips, growing less tenacious, and*being more easily removed; by the stools regaining a natural colour; by the urine being made in greater quantity, and repositing a sediment; by a return of appetite, and by the pulse becoming sloAver than it Avas before the commencement of the disease. Regimen. In addition to the mild articles of diet enumerated in the bilious fever, bread and milk, with a little water, sugar, and the pulp of a roasted apple, form a most grateful and nutritious food; and for the sake of variety, cider, perry, porter, or any other driuk which the patient covets, should always be alloAved. It has been observed, that this fever often originates from corrupted air, and of course must be aggravated by it; great care should therefore be taken, to prevent the air from stagnating in the patient's chamber. When it is small, and cannot be Avell ventilated, the patient should be carried into the open air, and allowed to sit there two or three hours every day in mild weather. When this cannot be conveniently done, every means in our poAver to ventilate the room should be employed. Strong-scented herbs ought every day to be streAved about the room, and vinegar frequently sprinkled about the bed clothes, and some evaporated, by pouring it on a hot iron. The bed clothes ought to be in no greater quantity than is agreeable to his feelings, and Avhen he can sit up, Avith his clothes loosely put on, it is often a 270 NERVOUS fever. refreshing change of posture and situation. The pa- tient should have his linen and bedding changed often, and the stools removed as early as possible; for nothing refreshes the sick more than cool air and cleanliness. In the early stage of this disease, Avhen there is much preternatural heat, Avashing the face and hands often in cold vinegar and Avater, and wiping the body with wet cloths, will be highly refreshing; and in the more ad- vanced stage of the disease, when there is less febrile heat, bathing daily in a strong decoction of black or red oak bark, about milk warm, cannot fail to produce the happiest effects. (See Oak. Materia Medica.) In all cases where the fever is unusually protracted, and leaves the patient in excessive weakness, the recovery is slow and precarious ; and the greatest care is required to pre- vent any error in diet, during the convalescence, as a very small degree of excess at this time, will produce very troublesome consequences. Food of easy diges- tion, taken in small quantities and often repeated ; gen- tle exercise when the Aveather is favourable; attention to prevent costiveness, by some mild laxative ; and the use of bitters to assist digestion, or the rust of steel, when there is any prevailing acid on the stomach, are the most certain means of reinstating health. Having in the preceding chapter enumerated the dif- ferent means for the prevention of diseases, I shall now point out such as are most suitable to arrest the pro- gress of contagion when commenced. When a contagious fever makes its appearance, the first precaution is to separate the sick from the healthy, and thus to cut off, as much as possible, the intercourse between them. The next step should be, to purify both beds and .clothes from every particle of filth. The chambers must be often fumigated, by burning good sharp vinegar or tar, and the floor Avashed daily with ley or the solution of pot-ashes, or strong soap-suds. A cloth wetted in lime water and hung up in the room, and replaced as often as it becomes dry, is also a great mean of purifying infected air. When a contagious disease originates on ship-lfoard, quicklime should always be added to the Avater Avhich is nervous fever. 271 used for common drink, in the proportion of one pound of quick lime, to a hogshead of water; but if the Avater is impure, a larger quantity of lime will be necessary; and some of it should be put also in the ship's well, to prevent the putrid and foul air arising from thence. When these means are ineffectual to stop the progress of any contagious disorder, fumigation with the nitrous vapour, will undoubtedly succeed: and the method of preparing it, is to put half an ounce of vitriolic acid in- to a cup; warm it over a shovel of coals, adding to it, by little and little, about the same quantity of powder- ed salt-petre, and stirring it occasionally with a slip of glass, as long as the vapour arises. The vessel is then to be carried about the room, the doors and windoAVs be- ing close shut, and put in every corner and place Avhere it can be suspected there is any foul air; the fumigation to be continued for one or two hours every day, or oftener, until the contagion is destroyed. If the vapour should irritate the lungs, so as to excite much cough, fresh air should be admitted, by opening the door or windows of the room. However, after a little familiarity with it, this vapour will not offend the lungs, but on the contrary Avill prove highly agreeable and refreshing. The vapour of muriatic acid has also been success- fully employed in purifying infected air, and destroying contagion. It is made use of in the following manner. Put one pound of common salt into an earthen vessel, and pour over it, from time to time, a small quantity of sulphuric acid, till the Avhole salt is moistened. If the air is foul, and peculiarly offensive, apply a gentle heat under the vessel, to extricate a larger quantity of va- pour ; but, in general, the simple addition of the acid to the salt will be found sufficient, unless the apartment is very large. An eminent physician belonging to the marine bar- racks of Brest, states, that previous to visiting the hos- pital, he was in the habit of introducing into his nos- trils sponge cut in a proper size and shape, and mois- tened Avith some essential oil. He also kept in his mouth a piece of orange-peal; and from this simple 272 PHRENSY, OR method he escaped several putrid and pestilential dis- eases, which in one year killed eleven physicians and one hundred and thirteen students. * Where any one is apprehensive of having caught in- fection, Avhich may be suspected by a bad taste of the mouth, and want of appetite ; an emetic should be given towards the evening, and on the patient's going to bed he may be allowed a little mulled cider, or wine whey, with a small dose of the anodyne sudorific drops, (see Recipe 17«)' The warm bath, if such a luxury can be commanded, would here be found exceedingly refreshing and bene- ficial. PHRENSY, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. Symptoms. A deep-seated headach, redness of the eyes and face, considerable throbbing or pulsation in the arteries of the neck and temples, incapability of bearing the light or noise, a constant Avatching or deliri- um, with picking the bed clothes. The pulse is gene- rally languid, but sometimes hard and contracted. The mind chiefly runs upon such subjects as have before made a deep impression upon it, and sometimes from a sullen silence the patient becomes all of a sudden de- lirious and quite outrageous. Causes. Exposure of the head to the scorching rays • of the sun; too deep and long-continued thinking; ex- cessive drinking; suppression of usual evacuations; con- cussion of the brain, and Avhatever may increase the af- flux of blood to the head. Treatment. Blood-letting is the « anchor of hope" in this disease, Avhich should be employed copiously on its first attack, and repeated as the symptoms and strength of the patient aa ill permit. Immediately after bleeding, a large dose of salts, or some cooling purge must be given. Ice pounded and put into a bladder, or folds of cloth Avet Avith vinegar or cold Avater, should constantly be applied to the head, and if the symptoms inflammation of the brain. &73 prove obstinate, it ought instantly to be shaved, and the whole of the scalp covered with a blister. Bathing the feet and legs in warm water, or wrapping them up in flannel Avrung out of hot Avater, is also of great service, by producing a revulsion of blood from the head. With the same vieAV sinapisms sbjmld be employed. One of the antimonial camphorated powders, (see Recipe 1 & 2) given every two hours, or large portions of nitre dissolved in the patient's drink, will be useful. If the disease be occasioned by a sudden stoppage of evacuations, every means to restore them must be tried. In all inflammatory affections of the head, a copious discharge from the intestines will be found highly be- neficial, by diverting the humours from the head; and when we cannot employ purgatives, laxative clysters should be used. To assist also in diminishing the determination of the blood to the head, the patient should be kept as near the erect posture as can easily be borne. Regimen. The diet should be of the lightest kind, as ripe fruits, with diluent drinks, such as cold water, tamarinds and water, &c. freely used. The patient to be kept in a dark room, as cool and quiet as possible; avoiding all irritating causes, and breathing a current of fresh air.* M' COLD. Is a disease of the inflammatory kind, which occurs more frequently on sudden changes of the weather, and * It was of this disease, generally termed a stroke of the sun, that the brave general Greene, an officer second only to Washington, died at Mulberry Grove, his country seat near Savannah. As a true Republican, he delighted, in exercise, particularly that of gardening ; of which he was so fond as sometimes to continue it under the meridian blaze. It was in this garden that the last summons found him. His honourable friend, E. Tel- fair, Esq. had often cautioned him against imprudent exposure to the Georgia suns: but believing that he possessed the same nerves, as in the hot field of Monmouth, he still pursued his favourite exercise. But while busily adorning the soil which his own valour had so gloriously defended, a sun* beam pierced his brain, and in a short time translated to heaven, as noble a spirit as ever fought under the standard of Liberty % L 374 COLD. attacks persons of all constitutions, but especially those of consumptive habits. It is also at times epidemic, when it is knoAvn by the name of influenza, and has been considered as depend- ing upon a specific contagion for its cause. The^nfluenza generally pays us a visit every six or seven years. The season of its visitation is the mid*. die or latter end of autumn, after a long spell of dry weather, as was verified last year. It would appear to be no respecter of persons, knocking equally at the door of the rich as well as the poor, and attacking the young not less than the aged. Symptoms. Its first symptoms are a stoppage of the nose; dull pain, with a sense of Aveight in the forehead; stiffness in the motion of the eyes, and soon after cough, hoarseness, an increased secretion of mucous from the nose, and tears from the eyes ; attended with more or less fever, and sometimes sore throat. Cause. This disease is generally the effect of cold. which by obstructing the perspiration, throws the re- dundant humours upon the nose, fauces and lungs; or perhaps, sometimes of specific contagion, or to those great physical changes which give rise to epidemics. Treatment. The treatment of this disease, as of all others of an inflammatory nature, consists of the an- tiphlogistic, or cooling remedies. Where it is slight, little else will be necessary than to live abstemious- ly; avoid cold, and Avhatever may increase the feverish habit. JJathe the feet and legs before going to bed, in lukeAvarm water, and drink freely of diluting li- quors, as flaxseed, balm or ground ivy teas, Aveak wine whey, barley Avater, &c. thereby exciting perspiration^: and taking care aftenvards to avoid a sudden exposure to cold or damp air. Attention must at the same time be paid to keeping the bowels open, by the occasional use of castor oil, or some cooling cathartic. When the disease is more violent; blood-letting in a larger or smaller quantity, should be employed; and repeated as the symptoms may require, in conjunction with the preceding remedies. And in case of pain, ap- ply a blister as near as possible to the affected part. COLD. S7fi If the cough, Avhich is often troublesome, be not re- moved by diluent drinks, or flaxseed sirup, (see Flax- seed. Materia Medica) or by chewing liquorice-ball, or by taking now and then a tea-spoonful of sweet oil and honey; opiates, after the inflammatory symptoms have abated, may be given at bed time with success. Sixty or eighty drops of paregoric, for example—or thirty or forty of laudanum, or the anodyne sudorific draught or bolus in warm tea. (see Recipe 18 & 20.) The steam of hot water, or vinegar and water, inhaled, also greatly alleviates this symptom, as well as the hoarseness, so commonly prevalent. When the cough is very frequent, the fever considerable, and the breath- ing intercepted by transient pains, or tightness of the chest; the cooling course above recommended, such as bleeding, purging, blistering, with diluting drinks, must be early employed; otherwise inflammation of the lungs will succeed, which, if not speedily removed, may ter- minate in consumption. The frequency of this disease, from the sudden changes of weather to wliich our climate is subject, and the slight degree of alarm generally excited by what is called " only catching a cold," too often occasions that neglect, which gives rise to the most distressing mala- dies, such as quinsy, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, rheumatism, &c. Fully satisfied that numbers fall victims to the sup- posed insignificance of this insidious enemy, I have thought it my duty thus to warn the inattentive. Prevention. To guard against this disease, the ut- most attention should be paid to a due regulation of the clothing; which ought to be neither too thin, nor so ir- regularly disposed, as to leave one part of the body naked, Avhilst the rest is burthened, and too warmly clad; an error frequently committed among children and young persons. Warm rooms and impure air may Aveaken the body, but warm clothing can never be in- jurious in cold Aveather. The use of flannel cannot be too highly recommended as a preventive of this disease; and if an objection should be made to wearing it next 27(5 QUINSY, OR to the skin, on account of the irritation it occasions, it may be worn over the linen. Putting on wet clothes, or lying in damp sheets, or sitting in wetted rooms, are so well known to be injurious, that it is hardly necessary to admonish people against such obvious improprieties. The common prudence of shunning, when heated, a torrent of cold air from the crevice of a door or window; or throwing off the cloth- ing immediately after taking exercise, are so obvious, as not to be required to be enlarged on. Equal danger arises from too suddenly passing out of an atmosphere of a very cold temperature, to one of a much warmer. Thus, when any part of the body has been exposed to cold, it is liable to be much more affected by heat and other stimuli, than before the exposure. Of this, the method of treating frozen limbs in cold countries, af fords a beautiful and decisive proof. Were a frozen limb to be brought before the fire, or immersed in warm water, a violent inflammation would come on, and speed- ily terminate in mortification. They therefore rub the parts benumbed with snoAv, and then very gradually expose them to a warm temperament. Hence it will evidently appear, that strong drinks, both before and after exposure to severe cold, must be highly dangerous; and it should always be remembered, that Avhen the body has been either chilled or much heat- ed, it must be brought back to its natural state by degrees; and again, after being exposed to wet weather in sum- mer, the clothes should be changed as soon as possible, and the body kept quiet and cool for some time. By attention to these precautions, those inflammatory diseases, for vrhich cold only prepares the system, may be easily avoided. QUINSY, OR INFLAMMATORY SORE THROAT. Symptoms. Is distinguished by a sense of heat, pain and tightness in the*fauces and throat, accompanied by a difficulty of sAvalloAving, particularly fluids. In ge- neral, the inflammation begins in one tonsil, a gland on inflammatory sore throat. 2/7 each side of the palate; then spreads across the palate, and seizes the other tonsil. When the inflammation possesses both sides, the pain becomes very severe, and swallowing is performed with extreme difficulty; but if it attacks the upper part of the windpipe, it creates great danger of suffocation. Causes. Cold—wet feet—throAving off the neck- cloth—or drinking cold water when overheated. Treatment. The same rules are to be observed, as in all cases of disease highly inflammatory, such as bleeding, purging, and other cooling means. The ex- tent to Avhich these are to be used, can only be ascer- tained by the violence of the disease, and the constitution of the patient; but from the danger of this complaint, they should be early employed, particularly if there exists any fever. Local applications have also their good effects, and in slight cases, are often sufficient to remove the inflamma- tion. Receiving the steams of warm water, or vinegar and Avater, through a funnel or spout of a tea-pot, Avill give great relief. Much benefit may he derived from the use of gargles, commencing with the common, and after the inflammation is considerably abated, using the as- tringent gargle, (see Recipe 40 & 41). At this stage of the disease, gargles of port wine, or brandy and Avater, ansAver every purpose, to restore the tone of the fibres, relaxed from over distension. External applications are, likeAvise, of great use. In slight cases it will be sufficient to have the neck rubbed twice or thrice a day with the volatile or camphorated liniment, (see Recipe 64 & 65,) and to apply a piece of flannel. The embrocation will be rendered still more stimulating by adding a small portion of the tincture of cantharides. But in those cases Avhere the inflamma- tion is considerable, the early application of a blister or cataplasm of mustard around the neck, is most to be re- lied on ; which by exciting external inflammation, will lessen the internal. Onions (see Materia Medica) are also excellent when applied externally in this disease. In addition to those remedies, the antimonial mixture £78 quinsy. (see Recipe 6) or decoction of rattlesnake root, (see Materia Medica) given in such doses as will ex- cite perspiration, is much to be depended on, when the inflammatory symptoms run high; and before the febrile symptoms are any Avay violent, the timely exhi- bition of an emetic often proves extremely useful, and sometimes checks its complete formation. Should these means prove ineffectual, and there ap- pears a tendency to suppuration, it ought to be promoted by frequently taking into the fauces the steams of Avarm water, or applying warm poultices to the neck. As soon as a whitish tumor Avith fluctuation of matter is discovered, it should be opened by the lancet, and then the detergent gargle (see Recipe 42) should be used. If in consequence of the largeness of the tumor the patient cannot swallow, he must be supported by nourishing glysters of broth, gruel or milk. If persons as soon as they discover any uneasiness in . the throat, were to use nitre as already recommended— bathe their feet in warm water—apply flannels mois- tened with one of the above liniments, and keep com- fortably warm, this disease Avould seldom proceed to a great height. Regimen. With respect to the regimen, it must be of the cooling kind, except the application of cold. Barley or rice water, flaxseed tea, and such like, ren- dered agreeable to the palate by the addition of jelly or honey, should be often taken, although difficult to sAval- low: for the pain consequent on swallowing, is more owing to the action of the inflamed parts, by Avhich de- glutition is performed, than by the passage of the liquid Avhich is SAvalloAved. Prevention. For the prevention of this disease, the directions should be adverted to, which have been given under the head of cold. Where it becomes habitual, an issue behind the neck, does often succeed in prevent- ing its recurrence.* * Well knowing how deep an interest the world always takes in great men, I trust it will not prove unacceptable to my countrymen to learn, that the above malady, the Quinsy, was the messenger, whereby God was pleased PUTRID SORE THROAT. 2^9 * PUTRID SORE THROAT. Tins is a contagious disease, and appears more gen- erally in autumn after a hot summer. It oftener attacks children, and persons of relaxed habits, than those of vigorous health. Symptoms. It generally comes on with a sense of giddiness ; such as precedes fainting, and a chilliness or shivering like that of an ague fit. This is soon fol- loAved by a great heat, and these interchangeably suc- ceed each other during some hours, till at length the heat becomes constant and intense. The patient then complains of an acute pain in the head, of heat and sore- ness in the throat, stiffness of the neck, anxiety, nausea, Avith vomiting and delirium. On examining the mouth and throat, the uvula and tonsils appear sAvelled, and are of a deep red, or shining crimson colour. Soon after, they are covered with Avhite or ash-coloured spots, which, in a short time become ulcerated. This appear- to introduce into his own presence, the soul of that purest of human beings, George Washington. On the afternoen of the 13th of December, 1799, riding out to one of his farms, he was caught in a driving rain, which soon turning into a snow storm, deposited a considerable quantity of snow betwixt his cravat and neck. Long accustomed to brave the inclemencies of weather, he paid no regard to this circumstance ; but having brushed off the snow on his return, he supped and went to bed as usual. Some time before day, he was awakened with the sore throat, and difficult breathing, wliich constitute quinsy. A faithful domes- tic, who always carried a lancet, was called up and bled him, but without affording any relief. Abeut day break my near relative and honoured pre- ceptor, Doctor James Craik, of Alexandria, the inseparable friend and physi- dan of Washington, was sent for, who reached Mount Vernon about ten o'clock. Alarmed at the general's symptoms, he communicated his fears to Mrs. Washington, who immediately dispatched servants for Doctors Dick and Brown. Nothing was omited that human ingenuity and skill could do for a life so dear, but all in vain. It appeared in the result, as the illustrious sufferer previously declared, that his hour vias come. To oblige. Mrs. AVashington, he continued to take the medicines that were offered him, till the inflammation and swelling obstructed the power of swallowing; when he undressed himself and went to bed, as he said " to die. About half an hour before he died, he desired his friends to leave him, that he might spend his last moments with God. Thus, after filling up life with glorious toils, he went to rest, "in a good old age, Iadened -with virhcc and honour." " Let the poor witling argae all he can, 'Tis religion still that makes the man." 380 PUTRID SORE THROAT. ance of the fauces seldom affects deglutition, or gives pain, as might have been expected. They are generally at- tended either with a foetid diarrhoea or acrid discharge from the nose. The patient often complains of an of- fensive putrid smell affecting the throat and nostrils, sometimes occasioning nausea, before any ulcerations appear. On the third day, or thereabouts, a scarlet erup- tion is thrown out on the skin; first on the face and neck, and then over the. whole body and extremities. Causes. The same Avhich give rise to the nervous or putrid fever, as bad air, damaged provisions, &c. &c. Treatment. The indications of cure are similar to those of the nervous or malignant fever, as it is analo- gous in some essential circumstances to that disease: to which Ave must add the healing of the ulcers. Therefore, on the first attack of the putrid sore throat, an emetic may be given, which may be repeated on the next day, and followed by a mild cathartic. After- Avards it will be necessary to recruit the patient with bark and wine, or milk toddy. The ulcers in the throat, demand our early and con- stant attention, as a loss of substance here cannot but threaten much danger to life, or injury to the parts, if the patient should survive: hence the use of gargles must be obvious to every one". When the disease is of a mild aspect, the common and astringent gargles (see Recipe 40 &41) frequently used, are often sufficient: but when the symptoms are urgent, the tendency to pu- trefaction great, the sloughs large, and the breath offen- sive, the detergent gargle, (see Recipe 42) must immedi- ately be resorted to. Independently of gargling the throat, it is essential that some of the same liquid be in- jected into the fauces with a small syringe. In young subjects, this method is the more necessary, as they do not ahvays know how to manage a gargle to any purpose, did the soreness of the parts permit them to do it. According to Dr. Currie, the affusion of cold water is also beneficial in this disease. It was his practice after a copious affusion, to have his patient wiped dry and PUTRID SORE THROAT. &81 put into bed, and to give him about eight ounces of Wine, if an adult, and so in proportion to children, which plan it appears Avas very successful, for in fifty out of sixty-two cases, where he had adopted it at the com- mencement of the disease, he succeeded. Dr. Thomas states, that when he was in the island of Saint Christophers, in the year 17^7? this disease prevailed as a universal epidemic among children, and a vast number of them fell martyrs to it, in spite of the utmost endeavours of the profession to save them, when at last the most happy effects were derived from the use of a remedy, the basis of which was Cayenne pepper. The medicine was prepared by infusing two table-spoon- fuls of this pepper and a tea-spoonful of salt in half a pint of boiling Avater, adding thereto the same quantity of Avarm vinegar. After standing for about an hour, the liquor was strained through a fine cloth, and tAvo table-spoonfuls Avere given every half hour. The speedy and good effects produced by the use of this medicine in every case in Avhich it Avas tried, evi- dently points out the utility of giving warm aromatics, which Avill bring on a timely separation of the sloughs., as well as other antiseptics, to correct the tendency in the parts to gangrene. Since the period above men- tioned, many practitioners bear testimony in favour of Cayenne or red pepper (see Materia Medica) in the pu- trid sore throat. The grand objects to be kept in view in this inalig. nant disease, should be, to check or counteract the septic tendency which prevails, to Avash off, from time to time, the acrid matter from the fauces, and to obviate debility. Should a diarrhoea arise in the progress of the disease, which is a very dangerous symptom, I can recommend, from my OAvn experience, charcoal (see Recipe 5) as a valuable remedy, in doses of a table-spoonful every hour or tAvo to adults, in a cup of cinnamon or ginger tea. It is sometimes necessary to give a dose of rhu- barb, conjoined with an equal quantity of poAvdered gin- ger, or some aromatic, with a tea-spoonful of prepared chalk, and to make use of the oak bath, (see Mat. Med.) 2 n 382 FALLING OP THE PALATE. Regimen. Medicine will prove of little efficacy, if the animal powers are not supported by proper nour- ishment : the attendants must, therefore, constantly sup- ply the patient with arroAv root, sago, panado, gruel, &c. to which may be added such wine as is most agreeable to the palate. Ripe fruits are peculiarly proper; and fermented liquors, as cider, perry, &c. should constitute the chief part of the patient's drink. But previous to taking any nourishment, gargles and injections should be very care- fully employed, for cleansing away the sharp, acrid humour from the mouth and throat, to prevent as much as possible its being swallowed. The patient should be so placed in his bed, that the discharge may freely run out at the corners of the mouth; and great attention should also be paid to cleanliness. The feelings of a tender parent avIio views the pro- gress of the disease on a beloved child, cannot but ex- cite our tenderest sympathy. Too often, from an ill- judged tenderness to the child, the parent will not suf- fer this dreadful disease to be checked by medicines. But it should be remembered, that although the pain is for a moment increased by these harsh, but necessary means, yet the quantity of pain must, on the Avhole, be much lessened, and besides, Avhich is the sweetest consideration of all, a precious life is thereby saved. Prevention. The same means as advised in the nervous fever, to correct infectious air, must strictly be attended to here, and especially Avith a vieAV to prevent the progress of this disease. FALLING OF THE PALATE. The falling doAvn, or elongation of the palate, is at- tended with a sense of tickling in the fauces, and sore- ness at the root of the tongue. Pulling up a middle lock in the head so as to raise the scalp, elevates the uvula by a motion this creates in the mouth, and Avithout examination proves the disease. mumps—sore eyes. 283 Treatment. Avoid speaking, and gargle the throat with the astringent gargle, (see Recipe 41) or apply salt and pepper by means of the handle of a spoon. MUMPS. A contagious disease, affecting the glands and mus- cles of the neck externally. Symptoms. Slight fever, which subsides upon the appearance of a tumor under the jaw, near its extremi- ties ; sometimes only on one side, but more frequently on both. It increases till the fourth day, and then de- clines gradually. Treatment. This disorder is often so slight as to require very little more than to keep the head and neck warm, with spare diet, and a laxative state of the bowels. If, however, there be much fever and pain in the head, it will be necessary, in addition to the above, to bleed, blister behind the neck, and take freely of diluting drinks, as flaxseed tea, barley or rice water. There is a singular peculiarity now and then attend- ing this complaint; for sometimes the swelling of the neck subsides, the testicles of the male, and breasts of the female, are affected with hard and painful tumors, and frequently when one or other of these tumors has suddenly been repressed, a delirium of the milder sort occurs. In this event, bleed moderately, apply a blister betAveen the shoulders, give a dose of calomel, and en- deavour to reproduce the sAvelling by Avarm fomentations and stimulating remedies. When these tumors are painful, every precaution should be used to prevent suppuration from ensuing, by bleeding, carthartics, an- timonial powders, (see Recipe 1) diluent drinks, and by cooling and discutient applications, as cloths wet with lead water (see Recipe 35) and cold vinegar and water. SORE EYES. A disease so well known, as to render all descrip- tion of it unnecessary. 28± SORE EYES. Causes. External violence done to the eyelids, or to the eye itself—extraneous bodies under the eyelids, as particles of o)ust and sand—acrid fluids or vapours— exposure of the eyes to a strong light, and night watch- ing, especially sewing, reading or writing, by candle light. Inflammation of the eyes may also be the consequence of bad humours in the system, or may accompany other diseases of the eyes and of the neighbouring parts ; such as the turning inward of the eyelids, or styes growing on them. Treatment. When the disease is moderate, and the exciting cause no longer exists, the cure is perfectly easy, requiring little more than external applications, such as washing the eyes frequently with warm milk and water, mixed with a little brandy, or usin^Qbr a lotion, muci- lage of sassafras, (see Materia Medica) simple rose wa- ter, or about eight grains of white vitriol dissolved in a gill of spring water. But in more severe affections, bleeding, blistering be- hind the ears, or nape of the neck, with gentle purga- tives, and the cooling regimen, will be found eminently useful. The greatest benefit will also result from soft linen bandages wet with cold water, applied to the eyes, and frequently reneAved until the heat and inflammation have subsided. Soon as this is effected, use the ano- dyne eye-water, (see Recipe 34) or tAvo or three drops of laudanum dropt into the eye, or bathe the eyes in cold water, or brandy and water, to restore the tone of the parts. In all inflammation of the eyes from common causes, the remedies above specified will generally succeed; only we should be careful not to use any of the more stimulant applications, till the inflammation begins to abate of its violence, otherwise they will rather increase than subdue the malady. In obstinate cases, there is no remedy so effectual as a blister plaster immediately over the eye. For this very important discovery, I am indebted to the adjunct Professor of Surgery, Dr. Dorsey, who, on his own po- PLEURISY. 285 lite invitation, I accompanied to the hospital, where he showed me a case in point. A man, whose inveterate opthalmia, after obstinately resisting all the usual appli- cations, was completely cured by a single blister about an inch and a half in circumference, employed 4n this novel way. When this disease is occasioned by morbid humours in the habit, as the scrophulous or venereal, Ave must use the remedies pointed out in the treatment of those complaints. If dirt or foreign matter be lodged in the eye, it may soon be removed by passing a small hair pen- cil between the eyelids, and the ball of the eye. The defending of the eyes from the light by confine- ment in a dark room, or wearing a piece of green silk over them, is a caution which, though too olmous to be pointed out, is too important to be omitted. Prevention. To persons liable to this complaint, the following instructions may be useful. When the eyes are weak, all painful and fatiguing exertions of them should be carefully avoided, such as looking at the sun, seAving or reading by candle-light, or sitting in a smoky room. If there be well-grounded suspicion that the inflam- mation of the eyes originates from the suppression of any of the customary evacuations, those evacuations should, as soon as possible, be restored; and until then, an issue or blister on the neck should be kept running, as a necessary substitute. PLEURISY. Symptoms. An acute pain of the side, which reaches to the throat, in some to the back, and others to the shoulders; but in general, is seated near the fleshy part of the breast^ with a high fever, hard and quick pulse, difficulty of breathing, and a teasing dry cough. The seat of the inflammation, and consequently of the pain, may vary in different cases, but this is not of much im- portance, as the same mode of treatment is required in inflammations of the viscera contained in the cavity of the chest, as the membrane which invests them. 286 pleurisy. Causes. The pleurisy, like other inflammatory dis- eases, proceeds from whatever obstructs the perspiration; as exposing the body to the cold air when overheated. It mav likewise be occasioned by whatever increases the circulation of the blood, as violent exercises, or an imprudent use of ardent spirits. Treatment. In the cure of pleurisy, or inflamma- tion of the viscera, our success depends on subduing the violent action of the vessels, by bleeding, blistering, and employing such remedies as are calculated to keep the boAvels open, and to determine the fluids to the surface. Hence, at the onset of this disease, a large bleeding is always necessary, succeeded by a dose of salts, senna and manna, castor oil, or some cooling purge, and so long as the blood exhibits a sizy crust on its surface when cool, and the violence of the symptoms continue, the lancet should be used once or twice a day, with this exception, that after a free expectoration has commenced it Avill be injurious. A blister over the pained part after bleeding, is by no means to be omitted; and if the pain is obstinate, Avhen the blister on one side ceases to discharge freely, apply another on the other side. When blisters can- not immediately be obtained, warm cabbage leaves, or cloths wrung out of a hot decoction of emollient herbs, or a bladder nearly filled with warm Avater, applied to the affected side, and repeated as often as it becomes cold, will sometimes afford a little relief. During this treatment, the patient should take freely of warm diluted drinks, as flaxseed, balm, orgroundivy tea*, barley or rice Avater, to Avhich may be added a lit- tle of the juice of lemons. The decoction of pleurisy root, or seneka or rattle- snake root, (see Materia Medica,) exhibited in doses of one or two table-spoonfuls every two or three hours, abates the febrile heat, and produces expectoration. The antimonial powders or mixture, or camphorated powders (see Recipe 1, 6 & 2) also produce these bene- ficial effects. When these medicines are not at hand, fleurisy. 287 portions of nitre dissolved in the patient's common drink, and ipecacuanha exhibited in such doses as will keep up a nausea at the stomach, without vomiting, will answer every purpose. Inhaling the steam of hot water, from the spout of a tea-pot, or applying a large sponge dipped in warm vinegar, to the mouth and nostrils, will be highly benefi- cial. Flaxseed sirup (see Materia Medica,) is a valu- able medicine in this complaint, in allaying the cough, a symptom exceedingly distressing. In the advanced stage of the disease, when the inflammatory symptoms are almost wholly abated, and the cough proves the chief cause of pain and loss of sleep, then opiates may be given with the greatest advantage. It should be observed in the exhibition of opiates, that if they are administered in the commencement of inflammatory disease, before the necessary evacuations are made, they increase the inflammation, and conse- quently destroy the patient; but if given near the close of such maladies they are of the greatest service, and complete the cure. When perspiration is obstructed,- they should be coupled Avith some emetic drug, as in the form of the anodyne sudorific draught or bolus, (see Recipe 18 & 20,) but when this is not the case, opium or laudanum alone, should be administered, and'that in small doses, Avhen the patient is much debilitated from previous evacuations. A half-grain of opium, or fifteen drops of laudanum, or thirty drops of paregoric given about an hour before the evening exacerbation, alleviates the symptoms, and if repeated for a feAV evenings, gra- dually increasing the dose, ensures the cure. If the pulse sinks and becomes languid, blister the extremities, and give six or eight grains of volatile salts every three hours with mulled wine. The bowels, in the course of the disease, must be kept moderately open, by emollient injections or mild laxatives, as castor oil, or the cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11.) Regimen. In no disease is a strict abstinence more necessary than in this; since in proportion to the nour- ishment taken, will be the increase of blood, and con- 288 inflammation of the lungs. sequently of fever. Nothing but diluent drinks, as toast and water, barley water, or flaxseed tea, ought to be alloAved, until the violence of the disease is subdued, and these liquids should be taken often, but in small quantities at a time, and never cold. •When nourish- ment is required, the lighter kinds only should be used, as arroAv root, sago, panado, &c. After recovery, great care must be taken to prevent a relapse: the sparest diet should therefore be used ; the inclemencies of the weather carefully guarded against; moderate exercise employed, and the chest protected from the action of cold, by wearing flannel next to the skin. In this state of* convalescency, a prudent use of wine with bark or columbo, will assist digestion, and give tone to the sys- tem generally. PERIPNEUMONY, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. Symptoms. Febrile affections, succeeded by diffi- culty of breathing, cough, and an obtuse pain under the breast bone, or betAvixt the shoulders, increased on in- spiration. A sense of fulness and tightness across the chest—great anxiety about the heart, restlessness, loss of appetite and sleep—the pulse quick, sometimes hard, and seldom strong, or regularly full—the breath hot, the tongue covered with a yelloAvish mucous, and the urine turbid. From the obstruction to the free passage of blood through the lungs, the veins of the neck are distended, the face swollen, with dark red colour about the eyes and cheeks. The pain in the chest is gene- rally aggravated by the patient lying on the side most affected, and very often he can lie only on his back. Causes. Cold, obstructing perspiration, and thus producing a morbid determination to the lungs, or vio- lent efforts by over distention. Treatment. Such is the delicate structure of the lungs, that they will not sustain inflammatory attacks many hours, before their important functions are de- stroyed, or so much mischief produced, as to lay the foundation of consumption. EPIDEMIC; 289 The antiphlogistic plan, therefore, as advised in the pleurisy, for the resolution of the disease, the only sa- lutary termination, should be put into immediate opera- tion ; and not by degrees, as is often the case, by which many lives are lost; but should be carried to the ut- most extent, particularly the taking aAvay of blood in considerable quantities from the arm, without attention to the state of the pulse, if the respiration is not re- lieved. EPIDEMIC. The attention of the medical gentlemen of our coun- try, was drawn to a disease which, during the three last winters, pervaded every state in the Union, and in most of them, according to the statements of the physi- cians, assumed every variety of shape, and required no little diversity of treatment. In some places the lancet was used freely, and in others, remedies highly stimu- lant were practised. In spite, however, of the very different practice pursued, the disease continued its ra- vages, which in many places resembled those of the plague, sweeping whole families into the grave. Extreme debility appears to have been the characte- ristic feature of the disease; for all accounts agree, that in whatever form it commenced, there ensued a great, and sometimes a very sudden prostration of strength. This alarming pestilence did not appear in the me- tropolis until the winter of the year 1815, and even then not so destructively as in many other places. Most of the cases which I saw, resembled very much the bilious pleurisy of our country. They commenced with chill and fever, accompanied by pain in the side and chest, with a dry skin and rather laborious res- piration. But the cough Avas by no means so frequent and distressing as in pleurisy or peripneumony. The eyes were wild and red, and the countenance uniformly indicated great anxiety and distress. In some instances the throat and head Avere very much affected. The pulse Avas full, though soft and readily compressible; indeed it sometimes indicated so much action, that a v 29G EPIDEMI< . practitioner not conversant with its peculiarity of type, would be very apt to treat the complaint as an inflam- matory affection. This counterfeit character, however; did not continue long ; for in a very short period it as- sumed the typhoid form. Of the causes of the disease, little is ascertained. In common Avith other epidemics, its origin is involved in dark obscurity. As yet, we know only that it com- mences in cold weather, and is generally dissipated by the warmth of spring. In the treatment of those cases wliich came under my care, I generally commenced with an emetic, and if this had no effect on the bowels, it was followed by a dose of salts, or an infusion of salts, senna and manna. During the operation of the cathartic, I sometimes found it necessary to support the patient, by having wine added to the gruel with which the medicine Avas to be worked off. As the cure of this formidable disease depended principally upon exciting perspiration, I lost no time after the operation of the medicine, in having sudorifics administered ; and of this class I found nothing supe- rior to the Seneca and Virginia snakeroot. (See Mate- ria Medica.) In the incipient stage of the disease I directed a strong decoction of the former to be taken in doses of a tea-cupful every hour or two, and as the dis- ease adATanced, or the pulse began to sink, the latter Avas administered in the same manner. In addition to this, mulled wine or cider highly spiced, or hot toddy, Avas given very freely in those cases Avhich indicated great prostration of power. It Avas also my uniform practice to have a blister applied as speedily as possible on the breast or side, over the pained part. If the head Avas most affected, the blister was put between the shoulders; and when the throat was complained of, a cataplasm of mustard or garlic (see Materia Medica) was applied around the neck. Flannels wrung out of hot spirits, in which mustard-seed or red pepper had been steeped, Avas constantly applied to the extremities, and greatly assisted in producing the desired effect. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. sat As the disease advanced, bark conjoined Avith Vir- ginia snakeroot proved a useful auxiliary in facilitating the cure. Dr. Cutbush pursued a very similar plan in the treat- ment of his patients, as I practised; and the fortunate result was as remarkable. Many other practitioners bear testimony in favour of this mode of practice. The ingenious and learn- e*d professor Chapman, in his very interesting lecture on this epidemic, which I had the pleasure of hearing, stated, that in no instance did any patient die under his care, after perspiration was induced. It was his practice also, to combine with the diaphoretics, the most cordial stimulants ; and of this class of remedies, he spoke highly of volatile alkali, in frequent and large doses. 4 As malignant as this disease was, it appeared to pay some respect to persons. For the rich, or rather those who lived generously, were seldom attacked with it; while the poor, and the intemperate, in those places where its ravages were most destructive, hardly ever escaped. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Is of tAvo kinds, the acute and chronic, and conse- quently will require variation in the mode of treatment. Symptoms. The acute is marked by a pungent pain of the right side, rising to the top of the shoulder, some- thing like that of the pleurisy ; attended with conside- rable fever, difficulty of breathing, dry cough, and often bilious vomiting. Causes. Violent and repeated shocks from vomits— sudden changes in the weather, but especially cold nights after very hot Aveather—sitting in a stream of air Avhen overheated—drinking strong spirituous liquors, and using hot spicy aliment. Treatment. In this, as in all other cases of visceral inflammation, the same means to take off inflammation, as advised in the pleurisy, should be carefully observed. 292 INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. And as it is an object of the first importance to prevent the formation of matter, we should adopt these means as early as possible to produce resolution, the only sa- utary termination. After the acute stage is over, we may consider the affection of a chronic nature, and the mode of treatment must be regulated accordingly. The chronic inflammation of the liver, is usually ac- companied with a morbid complexion. The symptoms are sometimes very obscure, and confined rather to the common marks of stomach complaints, as flatulence and frequent eructations. The appetite in consequence fails, and occasional uneasiness or pain is felt in the region of the liver extending to the right shoulder, the charac- teristic of the disease. An obscure fever prevails, Avhich is generally worse at night, inducing languor, want of sleep, and much oppression-. Tlje patient has generally clay-coloured stools, and high-coloured urine, deposit- ing a red sediment, and ropy mucous. In the progress of the malady, the countenance seems livid and sunk, and the eyes of a dull white or yellowish hue. Under these symptoms the body becomes gradually emaciated; while in the region of the liver is felt a sense of fulness, with a slight swelling and difficult breathing, attended Avith a hoarse, dry cough, which is particularly aggra- vated, when the patient lies on the left side. As the disease advances, dropsical symptoms accom- panied with jaundice supervene; and under these com- plicated maladies the sufferer sinks. Sometimes an ab- scess opens externally; which, if it does not effect a cure, at least prolongs the life of the patient. Treatment. In this species of the disease, the sti- mulant purgative pills (see Recipe 21,) may be employ- ed Avith advantage. The cure, hoAvever, depends principally upon mercury, or the nitric acid exhibited in small doses. The mer- cury may be introduced in the system, either by taking one or two of the mercurial pills (see Recipe 25) night and morning, or by rubbing as frequently on the part affected, the ointment about the size of a nutmeg; con- tinuing the one or the other, until a ptyalism is produced, or the disease is subdued. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 293 During this course, the use of the tonic powders, or pills (see Recipe 4 & 23) or bark and snakeroot, when febrile symptoms have abated, will greatly hasten the Cure. The nitric acid, with patients who are scorbutic, or much debilitated, is far preferable to the calomel, on ac- count of its antiscorbutic and tonic'powers. It should be given to the extent of one or two drachms daily, di- luted with water, in proportion of one drachm of the acid to a quart of water. At first, it ought to be given in small doses, and frequently repeated, and the dose gratf dually increased as circumstances require. This medi- cine, like calomel, must be continued until the mouth becomes affected? the salivary glands enlarged, and their secretion increased; and when this takes place, the disagreeable symptoms will be removed, and the patient, from being debilitated, becomes healthy, vigor ous, and cheerful. My OAvn experience of the efficacy of the nitric acid in chronic affections of the liver, induces me to speak well of it; and I am happy to add, it is a favourite remedy of that celebrated anatomist and distinguished physician, professor Wistar, in this loathsome disease, particularly when there is an enlargement of the liver. Obstructions and indurations of the spleen, bear some resemblance to a diseased liver, and are very prevalent in Ioav, marshy, and aguish situations. Their treat- ment consists in the use of the same means as recom- mended for the cure of this disease. Regimen. The food should be easy of digestion, such as veal, lamb, fowls, or fresh beef. Watercresses, garlic, and other pungent vegetables, are efficacious. A change of climate, and moderate exercise in the open air of the country, is both agreeable to the patient, and very salutary. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. Symptoms. Acute pain in the stomach, ahvays in- creased upon swallowing, even the mildest drinks. In- 294 INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. expressible* anxiety, great internal heat, something like heart-burn, constant retching to vomit—and, as the dis- ease advances, the pulse becomes quick and intermit- ting—frequent hiccups, coldness of the extremities, and the patient is soon cut off. Causes. Acrid or hard and indigestible substances, strong emetics, or' corrosive poisons taken into the stomach, or drinking extreme cold liquors while the body is in a heated state. It may also be occasioned by external injury. Treatment. Unless the inflammation can be re- solved in the very beginning, it rapidly terminates in a mortification. Therefore, a violent pain in the region of the sto- mach, with sickness and fever, should always be very seriously attended to. Copious and repeated bleedings, not regarding the smallness of the pulse, are absolutely necessary, and is almost the only thing that can be de- pended on. In no inflammation is the immediate use of the warm bath so necessary as in this, which attacks at once the «throne" of life. If a better bathing vessel cannot be had, a barrel or half hogshead filled with warm water, about blood heat, will do. Let the pa- tient be instantly put in it, covering th^ top Avith a blanket. Keep him in as long as he carfloear it; and Avhen taken out, and wiped dry with warm cloths, he should immediately have a large blister over the sto- mach. The boAvels must be kept open by the mildest glys- ters, as water gruel, or weak broth, with the addition of a little salt-petre, and sweet oil or sugar. These injec- tions answer the purpose of internal fomentations, and also nourish the patient; who is often unable to retain any food, or even drink, upon his stomach. Regimen. When the stomach will admit of nourish- ment, only that of the lightest kind should be allowed; barley water, and mucilage of gum arabic moderately warm, are the most suitable drinks. Every thing of a heating and irritating nature must be carefully avoided for some time after the attack. INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 295 INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. i Symptoms. Tension of the belly—obstinate costive^ ness—great internal pain, external soreness, especially' about the navel, and so severe as scarcely to bear the slightest touch—great debility—hard, small, and quick pulse. Causes. The same generally, that induce the pre- ceding disease. It may also be the sequel of other dis- eases, as rupture, colic, dysentery, worms, &c. Treatment. Whatever may be the cause, we must endeavour to bring about, as quick as possible, resolu- tion, lest mortification be the consequence. The treat- ment of inflammation of the stomach will also be proper here, as copious bleedings, emollient glysters frequently repeated, the warm bath, and immediately aftenvards a blister on the belly. Such is the nature of this complaint, that we cannot be too cautious in the administration of medicines or di- luents by the mouth. But the frequent use of emollient injections will in great measure supersede their necessi- ty, and at the same time act as fomentations to the parts. Fresh olive-oil, in the dose of a table-spoonful, is per- haps the only medicine that can be admitted with safety. When the violence of the disease shall have considera- bly abated, we may venture to give some aperient medi- cine by the mouth, as castor oil, not rancid, calomel, or cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11.) In this stage of the disease laudanum may be employed with great ad- vantage, particularly by way of injection. When the disease is combined with spasmodic colic, the. application of cold to the abdomen, either by means of pounded ice, cloths Avetted with very cold water, or cold water dashed from a pail immediately over the belly, has sometimes succeeded when all other means have failed in removing the obstruction. The advan- tages derived from the affusion of cold water, are owing to its producing an increased action of the intestines, in consequence of sympathy with the external parts. Regimen. After the disease is subdued, the diet 296 inflammation op the bladder, /• should be, for some time, of the lightest kind, and not flatulent. The patient must be kept quiet, avoiding cold, seA'ere exercise, and all irritating causes. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNIES. Acute pain and heat in the small of the back—great numbness along the thigh, and not unfrequently a re- traction of one of the testicles—retching to vomit— voiding the urine in small quantities, sometimes very pale, and other times of high red colour, attended with febrile affections. The patient generally feels great un- easiness when he endeavours to walk or sit upright, and lies Avith most ease on the affected side, Causes. Excessive exertions, external injuries, vio- lent strains, exposure to cold when heated, and calcu- lous concretions in the kidnies. Treatment. Bleed copiously, keep the bowels open Avith castor oil and emollient glysters, use the warm bath, or foment the part Avith a hot decoction of camo- mile or bitter herbs, or hot water alone; give mucilagi- nous and diluting liquors, as flaxseed tea, barley water, and thin gruel, Avith the camphorated powders, (see Re- cipe 2,) or small portions of nitre. A decoction of peach leaA es (see Materia Medica) is also beneficial in this complaint. Flannel Avetted with spirits, with the addition of a little spirits of hartshorn, may be applied to the small of the back, for the purpose of exciting some de- gree of inflammation of the external parts. After the inflammation has somewhat abated, the exhibition of laudanum in its usual quantities, either by mouth or glysters, will add considerably to the cure. If the disease has been treated improperly, or ne- glected at the onset, and a suppuration takes place, Avhich is known by a discharge of matter Avith the urine, use uva ur«i, (see Materia Medica) or balsam capivi, twice or thrice a day, for a week or two, and afterwards take bark or steel. Regimen. The diet should consist of the most mu- cilaginous substances, as arroAV root, sago, milk, but HEADACH. 297 termilk, custards, flaxseed tea, barley or rice water, &c. ♦ In the convalescent state, moderate exercise in the open air is of great service. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. Symptoms. Acute pain at the bottom of the belly, which is. much increased by pressure—a frequent de- sire and difficulty in making water, and frequent efforts to go to stool, attended with febrile affections. Causes. Calculous concretions, suppression of urine, from obstruction in the urethra, Spanish flies taken in- ternally, or applied to the skin, wounds, bruises, &c. Treatment. It must be treated consistently with the plan laid down in the preceding disease, excepting that where there is an entire retention of urine, the patient should drink fio more than is absolutely ne- cessary. The lovers of wine and cider should remember that those beverages, however pleasant and exhilarating, have a tendency to aggravate all diseases of the kidnies and bladder, especially when they originate from an acrid state of the fluids. HEADACH. If a foul stomach be the cause, give an emetic, after which take columbo three times a day. If from a plethoric habit, which is knoAvn by a heaviness of the head, and flushed face, bleed and give opening medi- cines. If from rheumatism, apply a blister to the back part of the neck, or between the shoulders, and at bed time bathe the feet in warm water, and take the ano- dyne sudorific draught. (See Recipe 18). If from a Aveak habit, and where the pain returns at stated periods, as in cases of intermittents, and confined on one side of the head, as over an eye, the cure will gen- erally depend upon the free use of bark and snake- root, or the solution of arsenic (see Recipe 22) twice or thrice a day, which seldom /ails, especially if prece- ded by a brisk purge. In this as Avell as other period? • 2 o £9S EARACH--DEAFNESS. cal pains, laudanum exhibited in a pretty large dose an hour or two before the expected fit, will often prevent its coming on. iEther externally applied over the pain on a piece of linen, with a warm hand to confine it, will afford immediate relief in headachs attended with a cold skin. Cayenne pepper mixed with snuff, by irritating the membranes of the nostrils, has also gives much relief in cold or nervous headachs. It is not unfrequent that the partial or nervous head- ach, as it is termed, is produced from a decayed tooth, which, on such suspicion, should instantly be extracted. Those who are subject to this complaint, should bathe their head every morning in cold water; avoid full meals ; lie Avith their head high in bed ; and always keep tlieir feet warm, and the bowels in a regular state. EARACJI. Frequently produced from living insects getting in- to the ear.. The most effectual Avay to destroy them is to Woav in the smoke of tobacco, or pour in warm sweet oil. If occasioned by cold, inject warm milk and Avater in the ear, or drop in a little laudanum or volatile lini- ment. If this produce not the desired effect, foment the ear Avith streams of Avarm Avater, and apply a bag of camomile floAvers, infused in boiling water and laid on often, as Avarm as can be borne. When the inflammation cannot be discussed, a poul- tice of bread and milk or roasted onions may be applied to the ear, and frequently reneAved till the abscess breaks: , after Avhich, it must be syringed tAvice or thrice a day. with Castile soap and Avater. DEAFNESS. Is occasioned by any thing that proves injurious to ihe ear, as loud noise from the firing of cannon, violent colds, inflammation or ulceration of the membrane, hard wax, or by debility or paralysis of the auditory nerves. It also frequently ensues in consequence of long pro- iracted fever. • T00THACH. 299 Treatment. It is difficult to remove deafness; but when it is owing to a debility of some part of the organ, or arises in consequence of any nervous affection, stimu- lants dropped into the ear, often prove salutary. iEther dropped into the ear, seems to possess a two- fold effect; one, of dissolving the indurated Avax; and the other, of stimulating the torpid organ; but it is lia- ble to excite some degree of pain, unless it be freed from the sulphuric acid. No prescription for deafness from indurated wax ever acted more surprisingly—none, I am sure, more agreeably to my feelings at least, than the following. In consequence of a violent attack of bilious fever, which degenerated into the nervous, my honorable friend, Col. George M. Troup, of Georgia, was afflicted Avith a deafness for a year or tAvo, so entire, that, in congress, when the members were on the floor, he was obliged to place himself close to the orator, and even then fre- quently failed of the pleasure and profit of hearing his reasonings. Suspecting indurated wax to be the cause of his deafness, I directed the cavities of both ears to be well syringed with warm and strong suds of Castile soap. This was done twice a day, the ears constantly filled in the interim with pellets of wool dipt in strong camphorated liniment, and sometimes plugs of camphor. In a few weeks, the nerA'es of hearing recovered their sensibility, and as the colonel himself thought, more acutely if possible, than before. TOOTHACH. Is best removed by extracting the tooth ; when this cannot be effected, fill the cavity Avith a little cotton or lint dipped in Turlington's balsam, or laudanum, or any of the essential oils, or with pills of camphor and opium. This#unpitied, though often excruciating pain is, in most cases, no more than the just punishment of our neglect of the teeth; surely then we ought to take some care of them, though it were but for the pleasure of • 300 RHEUMATISM. having them sound. But this care would be redoubled were we but daily to consider the advantage of good and clean teeth and sweet breath. Some AVomen indeed are blessed with faces so nearly angelic, that not the blackest teeth can entirely defeat their charms, nor the vilest breath drive away their lovers. But how different would be the effect of both, if, through their ruby lips, opened Avith a smile, we were to see teeth of ivory, white as snoAv, pure as the fair owners' frame, and accompanied with breath as sweet as that of infancy. Prevention. To prevent the toothach, and to pre* serve the teeth and breath perfectly sound and sweet, the tooth-brush dipped in warm water, and then in charcoal tooth-powder, (see Recipe 5) should be used constantly every morning. The charcoal powder, an invention of the celebrated Darwin, is good at whiten ing the teeth, and admirable in correcting bad breath. The tooth-pick and tumbler of pure Avater should never be forgotten after every meal. If the calcarious crust or tartar upon the teeth adheres firmly, a fine powder of pumice stone may be used occa- sionally. When the gums are spongy, they should be frequently pricked Avith a lancet, and gently rubbed with a powder composed of equal parts of Peruvian bark and charcoal. Young persons avIio wish to carry fine teeth with them through life, must take care never to sip tlieir tea scald- ing hot, nor to drink Avater freezing cold. Such ex- tremes not only injure the tender coats of the stomach, but often ruin the teeth, and hive caused many impru- dent persons to pass a sleepless night, distracted Avith pains of the teeth and jaws. RHEUMATISM, Symptoms. Wandering pains in the large* joints, and in the course of the muscles connected with them, increased on motion, and generally Avorse toAvards night. When with fever, it is called acute or inflam- matory rheumatism, and chronic Avithout. RHEUMATISM. 301 Causes. Sudden changes of weather—application of cold to the body when overheated, wearing of Avet clothes. * Treatment. In the inflammatory rheumatism, large and repeated bleedings are necessary, as indicated by the fulness of the pulse, especially on the first days, and when there is much pain. With this should be combined a free use of diluent drinks, as flaxseed or balm tea, barley or rice water, Avith a little nitre dis- solved in each draught, or the antimonial mixture (see Recipe 6) in small doses, to excite slight perspiration, Avhich should be kept up Avith great care; as in this re- laxed state of the skin, the disease is liable to recur up- on the least application of cold. Bleeding and blistering over the part affected, when the pain and inflammation continue violent, have also their good effects. After the inflammatory symptoms have in a great mea- sure subsided, the anodyne sudorific draught or bolus, (see Recipe 18 & 20) or laudanum alone may be admin- istered at bed time, with great advantage. During this general treatment, attention must be paid to the state of the bowels, which should be kept open by emollient glysters or cooling medicines, as the cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11) or castor oil, exhibited in small and repeated doses. When the disease has fully attained its chronic state, it then forms a local affection, distinguished merely by stiffness, distention, and considerable immobility in the joint. In this species of the disease, a different plan of cure must be followed. Large evacuations are to be avoided, and external stimulants of the warmest kind should be applied, as the oil of sassafras, spirits of turpentine, opo- deldoc, or the volatile liniment; (see Recipe 63 & 64) and along with this, friction with a flesh brush or flannel over the afflicted joint is not to be omitted. If these means prove ineffectual to rouse the energy of the part, add to an ounce or two of either of the above articles, one or two drachms of the tincture of Spanish flies. In addi- 302 RHEUMATISM. tion to those remedies, the internal use of the rheumatic tincture, (see Recipe 60) in doses of a table-spoonful twice or thrice a day in a cup of tea, is much to be de- pended on. When these remedies prove ineffectual, we may sus- pect that there exists in the habit some peculiar fault, which must be corrected before a cure can be expected. If the patient be much debilitated, of a scorbutic habit, give him bark freely. And if the disease is in conse- quence of a venereal taint, or taking cold from the use of mercury, let him take calomel in small doses, or one of the mercurial pills (see Recipe 25) night and morn- ing, until a ptyalism is produced. A strong decoction of sarsaparilla (see Materia Medica) is also a useful auxiliary, and sometimes a remedy of itself. In some cases of obstinate rheumatism, I have wit- nessed the happiest effects from taking, for some time, a tea-spoonful of flour of sulphur night and morning in milk or spirit and water. In others again, I found nothing equal to the pokeberry bounce (see Materia Me- dica) in doses of a wine-glassful, morning, noon, and night. Compressing the large arteries by means of a tourni- quet or bandage, as mentioned under the head of inter- mittents, is another remedy which has been employed with advantage in some instances of severe rheumatic pains. In recent cases when the pain is wandering from one part to the other, or whenever the joints are stiffened and rigid, and the pain upon motion severe, or where the muscles have become contracted by the length and violence of the disorder, immersing the whole body in a Avarm bath, or applying it topically, by pouring warm water upon the limb from a kettle, or fomenting the part with a decoction of mullein two or three times a day, will often soothe the pain, and prove a useful aux- iliary to the other means we employ. Two other forms of rheumatism ought here to be mentioned, namely, the lumbago, and the sciatic. The first, attacks the loins or lumbar region, with a most VACCINE DISEASE, OR COW-POX. 303 acute pain shooting to the joints of the thigh. This af- fection is nearly related to the inflammatory rheumatism, and must be treated in the same manner, only instead of applying blisters oveyr the affected part, they should be applied on the insidf of the thighs, and kept running for some time. • f The second, or sciatic, is a violent or fixed pain, at- tacking the hip joint, and as partaking of the nature of the chronic rheumatism, is most successfully to be treat- ed like that disease. Prevention. Cold bathing, and the use of flannel next the skin, are the most effectual means of prevent- ing the recurrence of both acute and chronic rheumatism. Regimen. In acute rheumatism, the patient must be kept on a cool spare diet; but no change whatever will be necessary in the patient's ordinary mode of living, in chronic rheumatism. In this species, mustard and horse- radish (see Materia Medica) used freely in their natu- ral state, or united Avith food, will be found very beneficial. Exercise, either of the whole body or of particular limbs, will be highly important. The Avani of exercise is apt to produce stiffness in the limbs. VACCINE DISEASE, OR COW-POX. The vaccine discovery may be justly considered as one of the most extraordinary blessings bestowed on man; since it is a fact, incontestable, that it is a certain security against the small-pox, a disease distressing in its symptoms, formidable in its appearance, doubtful in event, and to Avhich mankind are so generally exposed. The comparative advantages which the kine-pox has over the. small-pox are very great and striking. First. it is neither contagious nor communicable by effluvia: secondly, it excites no disposition to other complaints; thirdly, it can be communicated with safety to children at the earliest age, and almost in every situation ; and, fourthly, it is never fatal. What more can be required to produce a general conviction of its superior utility ? The method of performing the inoculation, is to hold 301< VACCINE DISEASE, OR COW-POX. the lancet nearly at a right angle with the skin, in order that the infectious fluid may gravitate to the point of the instrument, which should be made to scratch the skin repeatedly, until it becomes slightly tinged with blood. The operator must be cautious not to make the Avound deeper than necessary, as the inoculated part will be more liable to inflammation, which may destroy the spe- cific action of the virus. Thevjnost certain method of securing the infection, is to inoculate with fresh fluid from the pustule ; but as this is often impracticable, it is advisable to hold the in- fected lancet over the steam of boiling water to soften the hardened matter. Where the virus has been pro- cured upon thread, make a small longitudinal incision in the arm, and insert in it the affected thread, and de- tain it there by court-plaster, until the disease is com- municated. Matter may also be procured from the scab. The mode of inoculating from it is the same as from the fluid, taking care, however, previously to moisten it with tepid water, and to use the matter of the inner side of the scab. The scab will frequently retain its virus for months, provided, especially, it be kept in a close box. The first indication of the success of the operation is a small inflamed spot at the part where the puncture is made; which is very distinguishable about the third, fourth or fifth day. This continues to increase in size, becomes hard, and a small circular tumor is formed, rising a little above the level of the skin. About the sixth or seventh day the centre of the tumor shows a discoloured speck, owing to the formation of a small quantity of fluid, and this continues to increase and the pustule to fill, until about the tenth day. At this time it shows in perfection the characteristic features Avhich distinguish it from the variolous pustule. Its shape is circular, or somewhat a little oval, but the margin is always well defined, and never rough and jagged, the edges rise above the level of the skin, but the centre is depressed, and has not that plumpness which marks the small-pox pustule. As soon as the pustule contains any fluid, it may be opened for future VACCINE DISEASE, OR COW-POX. 305 inoculation. About tAvo days before, and two after the eighth day, making a period of four days, is the season when the matter is found in its greatest activity. At the eighth day, when the pustule is fully formed, the effects on the constitution begin to appear. The general indisposition is commonly preceded by pain at the pustule and in the arm-pit, fol}oAved by headach, some shivering, loss of appetite, pain in the limbs, and a feverish increase of pulse. These continue with more or less violence for one or tAvo days, and always sub- side spontaneously without leaving any unpleasant con- sequences. During the general indisposition, the pus- tule in the arm, which had. been advancing to matura- tion in a regular uniform manner, becomes surrounded with a circular inflamed margin, about an inch or an inch and a half broad, and this blush is an indication that the whole system is affected; for the general in- disposition, if it occurs at all, always appears on or be- fore the ^ime when the efflorescence becomes visible. After this period, the fluid in the pustule gradually dries up, the surrounding blush becomes fainter, and in a day or tAvo dies away imperceptibly; so that it is seldom to be distinguished after the thirteenth day from inocu- lation. The pustule noAV no longer increases in extent, but on its surface a hard thick scab of a broAvn or ma- hogany colour is formed, which if not removed, remains for nearly a fortnight, until it spontaneously falls, lea- ving the skin beneath perfectly sound and uninjured. The above is the progress of the vaccine inoculation in the greater number of cases, from the time of inser- tion to that of drying up of the pustule, with only the variation of a day or two in the periods of the different changes. The successive alterations that take place in. the local affection, appear to be more constant and more necessary to the success of the inoculation, than the general indisposition. With respect to this latter, the degree is very various—infants often pass through the disease Avithout any perceptible illness—with children it is extremely moderate—and even with adults, its severity is but for a few hours, and then never dan- gerous. * 2p 306 VACCINE DISEASE, OR COW-POX. Very little medical care is necessary to conduct the patient through this disease Avith perfect safety; espe- cially Avhen children are the patients. Adults may take a dose of salts on the eighth day, Avhich will be particu- larly useful in plethoric habits. In general, no applica- tion to the inoculated part will be required, unless the inflammation increases, and the pustule becomes pain- ful ; then the part should be kept moist Avith cold vine- gar and water or lead water, till the pustule is dried up. To conclude, much attention and discrimination are necessary in the vaccine inoculation, to ascertain whether the infection has fully taken, and whether or not, the disorder is complete and genuine. The regularity with Avhich the local disease at the place of inoculation, runs through its several stages, seems to be the principal point to be attended to : for the presence of fever is certainly not necessary to constitute the disease, since the greater number of infants have no apparent indisposition. Therefore, when the vaccine inoculation is#followed by no local disorder, or only a slight redness at the punctured part, for a day or two, we can have no doubt that the operation has failed. When the pustule ad- vances in very hasty and irregular progress, Avhen the inoculated puncture on the second or third day after in- sertion, swells considerably, and is surrounded Avith an extensive redness : this premature inflammation very clearly indicates a failure in the operation. Even when the inoculation has advanced for the first feAV days in a regular manner ; but, Avhen about the sixth day, instead of exhibiting a well-formed pustule and vesicle of fluid,. the part runs into an irregular festering sore, the pur- pose of inoculation is equally defeated; and these varie- ties require it to be watched Avith an attentive and expe- rienced eye, since they might readily lead to a-false and perhaps fatal idea of security 'against any subse- quent exposure to the small-pox. The circumstance, hoAvever, which-most strikingly distinguishes the genuine from the spurious disease, is the appearance of the pus- tule. In the genuine, the pustule has a well-defined elevated margin, with an indentation in its centre, re- sembling a button mould, The spurious is either .pointed SMALL-POX. 307 Kke a small common abscess, or is rugged and irregu- larly formed, like an ordinary sore. Every other symp- tom, almost, occurs in each disease. SMALL-POX. It Avould seem unnecessary to take any notice of the small-pox, after having treated so largely of its mild and merciful substitute, the coAV-pox; but as that dreadful disease does sometimes find its Avay on board of ships and into country neighbourhoods, sweeping Avhole fami- lies in its progress, it may be very proper to subjoin the following history of its symptoms and treatment. The small pox appears under two very different forms, the distinct and confluent. In the first, Avhich is by far the mildest, the pustules fill and assume a conical shape. In the last and most dangerous, the pustules run to- gether, and remain flat. Symptoms. A feAV days prior to the attack, the pa- tient complains of languor and Aveariness, succeeded by cold shiverings and transient glows of heat, immediately before the fever; which is accompanied by violent pain of the head and loins, and frequently with a severe, op- pressive pain at the pit of tie stomach. The patient is very drowsy, and sometimes delirious. About the third day the eruption appears like flea bites, first on the face and limbs, and afterwards on the body. From this pe- riod the pustules gradually increase, and on the fifth or sixth day. will begin to turn Avhite on the tops. The throat at this period often becomes painful and inflamed; and sometimes on the seventh day the face is conside- rably swelled. In the confluent, the spots assume a crimson colour, and instead of rising, like the distinct kind, they re- main flat and run into clusters; and during the first days of the eruption, much resembling the measles, but of a purple colour. The flow of saliva is constant in this form of the disease, and becomes so viscid as to be £ is'/barged with the greatest difficulty. 308 SMALL-POX. Treatment. The cure of small-pox depends on the general principle of the antiphlogistick plan, especially in a free admission of cold air, Avhich may be carried much further in this, than in any other disease. Bleed- ing in the first stage of the disease, or when the pulse is full, may be allowed, but the use of cooling purga- tives, Avith acid and diluent drinks, are indispensable. • When the eruption makes its appearance in clusters of a dark red colour, the disease is more of a putrid na- ture ; and consequently, instead of bleeding, requires a liberal use of bark and wine to invigorate the constitu- tion, as directed in the nervous fever. See Oak. Mate- ria Medica. But besides this general treatment, there are some symptoms which require particular attention. Thus, when convulsions or great restlessness prevail, expo- sure to cold air and a dose of laudanum are enjoined. Where respiration is much impeded, or deglutition dif- ficult, blisters may be applied to the breast and neck, and gargles, such as are recommended for sore throats, frequently employed. If the perspiration be obstructed, the antimonial mixture may be used. When this disease finds its Avay aboard of a vessel, or into a family, all those Avho have not had it, should immediately be inoculated Avith the variolous matter, if the vaccine fluid cannot be procured. The benefits Avhich result from inoculation are great, as we have an opportunity to prepare the system by ab- stinence from animal food, and by taking one or two purges of calomel and jalap befoie the eruption takes place. But if the subject be of a Aveak delicate habit, a restorative diet alone will be more proper. In every stage of the small-pox, the bowels should be kept open, either by mild purgatives or glysters. Regimen. The diet is to consist of vegetable sub- stances, as arroAv root, panado, milk, rice, &c. and Avhen the eruption is completed, a more nourishing diet may be alloAved. If the disease is of the putrid kind, Avine, cider, perry, porter or milk toddy, may be given freely. In this as in all diseases connected Avith putrescency, measles. 309 the advantages arising from cleanliness as well as from frequent ventilation of the chambers are so obvious, that to insist on them is unnecessary. See Nervous Fever. MEASLES. This disease is the effect of a specific contagion, and attacks persons only once in life. Symptoms. Alternate heats and chills, Avith the usual symptoms of cold. On the fourth day from the attack, eruptions like Ilea bites, arise on the face and body, and in abcmt four days more, those eruptions dis- appear Avith the fever. Treatment. When the disease is very slight, little more is necessary than to keep the patient's body open, with the cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11.) But should the febrile symptoms run high, with difficulty of breath- ing, bleed,, blister the breast, inhale through the spout of a tea-pot, the steam of hot water, and give the anti- monial powders or mixture, (see Recipe 1 & 6.) The cough being usually troublesome, it will be proper to take freely of flaxseed sirup, (see Materia Medica) or some demulcent pectoral. After the eruption is com- pleted, the anodyne sudorific draught, (see Recipe 18,) paregoric, or laudanum, ay ill be serviceable at bed time, to allay the cough. I the spots suddenly disappear, immerse the body in Avarm Avater, or bathe the legs and feet, and give freely of warm Avine Avhey, until the eruptions return. The consequences attendant on the measles are often more to be dreaded than the immediate disease ; for, although a person may get through it, and appear for a time recovered, still pulmonary consumption frequently arises, and destroys him. Another bad consequence piv the measles is, that the boAvels are often left by them in a very Aveak state, a diarrhoea remaining, which has sometimes proved fatal. An obstinate opthalmia, or affection of the eyes, Avill also ensue, if proper attention is not paid in managing the disease. 310 saint Anthony's fire. Should the symptoms manifest a malignant kind of the disease,and a putrid tendency prevail, Ave must then adopt a very different mode of treatment from what has been advised for the inflammatory. The cure must be conducted on the plan recommended for the nervous fever. Regimen. The diet should be Ioav and proportioned to the tlegree of fever. Barley or rice water, flaxseed tea, or other cooling mucilaginous drinks, Avith jellies, as arrow root, gruel, sago, &c. will, in general, be all that is necessary until the feverish symptoms are eATi- dently on the decline. Much caution is necessary that the patient be not suddenly exposed to cold air, which might repel the eruption and produce fatal effects. CHICKEN, OR SWINE POX. In this disease an eruption much resembling that of a very favourable small-pox, appears after a very slight fever. This eruption soon proceeds to suppuration, in Avhich state it remains but a little time, before the dis- ease terminates by the drying up of the pustules, Avhich seldom leave scars behind. As to the treatment, medicine is Arery seldom neces- sary, it being generally sufficient that the patient be kept moderately cool, and supplied with diluent drinks and light food. Should there be fever, a cooling purge and afterwards the antimonial powders or mixtures may be employed, SAINT ANTHONY'S FIRE. Symptoms. An inflammation on some part of the fekin, attended Avith pain and heat; and Avhen extensive, there is considerable fever, accompanied with droAvsiness. Causes. Imprudent exposure to cold Avhen the body is heated—hard drinking—and sudden stoppage of any natural evacuation. Treatment. When slight, it requires only that the JtoAvels be kept gently open, by an infusion of peach bleedin% at the nose. 314 leaves (sec Materia Medica) small doses of cream of tartar and sulphur, or the cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11) with small portions of nitre in the patient's common tlrink; but when the attack is violent, and the head af- fected, then, in addition to the above, bleed, bathe the feet in Avarm water, apply sinapisms to the extremities, and give the saline or antimonial mixture (see Recipe 14 & 6) with diluent drinks. The best external applications are flour or starch, gently sprinkled by a puff on the part, or in case of dryness and much heat, cabbage leaves, stripped of their stems and softened in boiling Avater, and renewed every tAvo or three hours. Cold applications, as cloths wetted with vinegar and water, with the addition of a small quantity of camphorated spirits, has also been employed with great benefit and relief to the feelings of the patient. If, in spite of these means, ulceration should take place, apply bark poultices, frequently renewed, .or cloths dipped in the camphorated spirits, (see Recipe 62) with the usual means of preventing mortification. * Should the inflammation become of a purple colour, or the SAvelling suddenly subside, attended Avith internal oppression, anxiety and weak pulse, apply blisters cr sinapisms to the extremities, and give Avine or warm toddy freely to throAV out the eruptions to the skin; and then it is to be treated as the nervous fever. Regimen. The diet should be Ioav, and the drink chiefly of rice or barley Avater, acidulated with tama- rinds or the juice of lemons. Prevention. Avoid the extremes of heat or cold, abstain from spirituous liquors, and keep the bowels regurlarly open. BLEEDING AT THE NOSE. In febrile diseases accompanied with pain in the head, flushed countenance, and redness of the "eyes, bleeding from the nose in general, is salutary, and ought not to be checked, unless the patient is likely to be too much exhausted by it: hoAvever, Avhen this discharge is too 313 spitting of ^lood. profuse, the patient should have his head raised and ex< posed to cool air. Beside Avhich, cold acidulated drinks should be used, and the patient should either immerse his head in very cold water, or have cloths dipped in cold vinegar and water frequently applied to the face and back of the neck. A piece of metal, as a key for example, applied cold to the naked back, is a familiar remedy, and often succeeds. If these should not prove sufficient, a pledget of lint dipt in strong alum water, or a powder composed of flour and alum of equal quantity, should be introduced into the nostrils, with sufficient force to compress the orifice of the ruptured vessels. One of the most powerful styptics which we can use, says Dr. Thomas, is powder of charcoal. It may be applied by means of tents, first moistened with water, and then dipped in this powder; but in slight cases, it will answrer by being taken like snuff. After the bleeding has ceased, the patient must be careful not to remove the tents of clotted blood, but should alloAV them to come away of themselves. SPITTING OF BLOOD. When there is a discharge from the mouth of blood of a florid colour, brought up with more or less cough- ing, preceded by a sense of tightness, weight, and anxiety in the chest, and attended with a saltish taste of the spittle, it is in consequence of a ruptured vessel of the lungs. Causes. Plethora—violent exercise of the lungs— and frequently a faulty conformation of the chest. Treatment. Give immediately from a tea to a table- spoonful of common salt, which must be repeated every tAvo hours or oftener, in large doses until it is checked. And to prevent a return of the disease, a small table- spoonful of the salt must be taken daily for two or three days. Professor Rush employed the common salt with success, in hemorrhages from the stomach, accom- panied with vomiting, and others have tried it Avith equal success in discharges of blood from the nose and uterus. SPITTING OF BLOOD. 313 The sugar of lead, in the form of powder or pills (see Recipe 22) has also been employed Avith great ad- vantage in this complaint. If the patient be of a plethoric habit or feverish, a free use of the lancet is absolutely necessary, in proportion to the state of the pulse. Besides which, cooling pur- gatives should occasionally be given; the patient, at the same time adhering strictly to the antiphlogistic regi- men. The tincture of foxglove (see Materia Medica) exhibited in small doses every three or four hours, by retarding the action of the pulse, will prove a most use- ful auxiliary in suppressing pulmonic hemorrhages, particularly in those cases where an inflammatory dia- thesis prevails. Whenever there is fixed pain of the chest, a blister applied to the breast or back will do much service. After the pain, cough, and afflux of blood cease, ten or fifteen drops of balsam capivi, or four or five tar pills of common size, prepared by adding bark to the tar, thrice a day, will be proper to restore the tone of the ruptured vessels. Sometimes a spitting of blood is produced in conse- quence of suppressed evacuation; in this case it is not dangerous, and only requires remedies to restore the vicarious discharge. Regimen. A low diet must be strictly observed and the body kept as quiet as possible. Nothing should be taken Avarm : flaxseed tea, barley or rice water acidu- lated with the juice of lemons or elixir vitriol, ought to be used as common drinks, and taken as cold as pos- sible. Prevention. Carefully avoid all exertions Avhich detain or Avhich hurry the blood in its passage through the lungs, as singing, loud speaking, running or lifting great Aveights. Obviate costiveness by the occasional use of mild aperients, and use a spare diet. On expe- riencing any pain in the chest, blister, bleed, and con- stantly wear flannel next to the skin. 2 Q aik CONSUMPTION. CONSUMPTION. Symptoms. Those which mark it's first stage, are a slight fever increased by the least exercise—a burning and dryness in the palms of the hands, more especially toAvards evening—rheumy eyes upon Avaking from sleep -—increase of urine—dryness of the skin, as also of the feet in the morning—occasional flushing in one, and sometimes both cheeks—hoarseness—slight or acute pain in the breast—fixed pain in one side, or shooting pains in both sides—headach—occasional sick and fainty fits—-a deficiency of appetite—and a general in- disposition to exercise, or motion of every kind. The first appearance of this disease will vary in dif- ferent cases, but the most constant symptoms which cha- racterize it, are a cough and spitting of phlegm resem- bling matter, of Avhich at length it becomes entirely composed. Causes. Obstructions and inflammation of the lungs, depending most frequently on the existence of small tubereles in the substance Avhich coming to suppuration, burst anu discharge a purulent matter. Sometimes it is induced by a general affection of the system, and sometimes it is a consequence of other diseases, as cold, measles, small-pox, pleurisy, &c. &c. Treatment. It must be varied and adapted to each stage and case of the disease. In the first, or inflam- matory stage, moderate bleedings twice or thrice a week, according to the force of the pulse, and habit of the patient are essential, aided by blisters to the breast and back; and employing at the same time a cooling regi- men. Nitre in doses of ten or fifteen grains, three or four times a day, and the antimonial mixture (see Recipe 6) in nauseating doses, are serviceable in lessening the ar- terial action, but greater benefits Avill result from the use of the foxglove, (see Materia Medica,) which may be given Avith safety even to consumptive children; but (ike all poAverful medicines, it should be used with much faurion in such tender subjects. The most eligible CONSUMPTION. 313 mode of using the foxglove, is in a tincture, (see Recipe 5,) beginning with the dose of twenty drops, and gradually increasing it to forty, fifty, or sixty to an adult, morning, noon and night. In giving this medi- cine, it should be so managed as not to induce vomiting or violent sickness. But if either happen, the patient must for a day or two omit the medicine, and afterwards resume the use of it in smaller doses. After the inflammatory symptoms have someAvhat sub- sided,laudanum in doses of five or six drops tAvice or thrice a day, and a larger dose at bed time, may be given with the greatest advantage. Doctor Rush often succeeded in curing this disease, by giving small doses of calomel until a slight salivation was excited, but it should not pre- cede the antiphlogistic plan. Iceland liverwort or moss, has been highly extolled of late in this complaint as a remedy, that readily allays cough, facilitates expectoration, abates hectic fever, and quiets the system without constipating the bowels. It is> likeAvise said to strengthen the organs of digestion, with- out increasing the action of the heart and arteries. Indeed the physicians of both Europe and America have spoken so loudly in its praise, that every patient ought certainly to give it a trial. The most approved method of using it is in the form of decoction; one ounce of the herb to a quart of water boiled for fifteen minutes over a slow fire, to Avhich tAvo drachms of sliced liquorice root may be added about five minutes before it is taken off. A tea-cupful of this decoction should be taken four times a day. Another form is by boiling two drachms of the herb in a pint of milk for ten minutes, and taking it for breakfast and supper. If chocolate be preferred, it may be blended with it, by making the chocolate with a de- coction of the moss, Avithout the liquorice, as aboAC directed. Regimen. The diet in the inflammatory state of consumption should be light, and composed of articles that tend to correct acrimony and diminish inflammation, as milk, butter-milk, rice milk, arrow root, sago, fruits of every kind, and vegetables. In the advanced st#£e 316 incontinence of urine. of the disease, and when the pulse is weak, a more cor- dial and stimulating diet, and strengthening remedies are necessary. To prevent weakness, and other ill ef- fects of an empty stomach, patients should take frequently of meat, with wine or toddy: raAV oysters are thought to be peculiarly proper. With this cordial diet, small doses of balsam capivi or laudanum, or an infusion of the inner bark of the wild-cherry tree, or Avhorehound and bitters of all kinds, have been exceedingly use- ful, in this state of consumption. Exercise when not carried to fatigue, in a dry country air, often does more good than medicine, and consequently should always be taken. Long journies on horseback, are the most effectual modes of exercise, carefully avoiding night air, and the extreme heat of the day in summer. That exercise be not carried to fatigue, patients should travel only a few miles in a day at first, and gradually increase the distance as they increase their strength. When exercise on horse- back cannot be supported, sailing and swinging should be substituted, and no effort to cheer the spirits, or inno- cently to amuse the mind, should be neglected. Great care should be taken to regulate the dress ac- cording to the changes of the Aveather. The chest in particular should be defended from the cold, and the feet from the damp. In the various stages of this dis- order, the boAvels ought to be kept moderately open by emollient glysters, or the mildest laxatives. INCONTINENCE OF URINE. Symptoms. An involuntary evacuation of urine. Causes. A relaxation of the sphincter of the blad- der—injuries received about the neck of the bladder— pressure of the womb in a state of pregnancy, &c. Treatment. When the disease proceeds from a re- laxation of the sphincter of the bladder, a blister to the os sacrum or loAvermost part of the back-bone will be found highly beneficial, and often effects a cure. The cold bath and tonic medicines, as bark, steel, and co- suppression and difficulty of urine. 317 lumbo, are peculiarly proper in obstinate cases of this kind. The tincture of cantharides (see Recipe 56) in doses of ten or twelve drops every three or four hours, is also a good remedy. When it is produced by an impregnated womb, little more can be done, than ob- serving a horizontal position as much as possible. The occasional use of rhubarb in small doses, to keep the bowels easy, tends to alleviate the affection. SUPPRESSION AND DIFFICULTY OF URINE. Arises from a variety of causes, as calculous concre- tions—obstructions in the urethra—blisters —or the tinc- ture of cantharides, taken internally too freely—Avounds bruises, &c. Treatment. If the pulse be full and feverish, bleed and procure stools by emollient glysters and cool- ing laxatives, such as castor oil, or the cathartic mixture. (see Recipe 11.) Much dependence is to be placed in the free use of demulcent drinks, as barley water, flax- seed tea, mucilage of gum arable, decoction of marsh- mallows, of parsley roots, or of water-melon seeds, es- pecially if the affection be owing to the cantharides, or any injury of the bladder. One of the camphorated powders (see Recipe 2) given every three or four hours, in the patient's common drink, will also prove an auxili- ary. Great relief will be obtained from the warm bath, used oftener or seldomer as the case may require, or from the frequent applications to the belly of cloths wrung out of hot water, or bladders half filled with it. Opiates are serviceable, but should never be used in the height of fever. When this complaint is in consequence of calculous concretions or gravel obstructing the urinary passages, which may be known by pain in the loins, sickness at the stomach, and sometimes a discharge of bloody urine, an infusion of wild-carrot seed sweetened with honey is very beneficial. A more powerful medicine, however, for gravel complaints, is the caustic alkali or soap-lees, 318 piles. (see Recipe 33,) but being of an acrid nature, it ought always to be given in mucilaginous drinks, and com- menced with small doses; which should be gradually increased as far as the stomach can bear, and continued for a long time, particularly if there should be an abate- ment of the symptoms. When the application of blisters causes a difficulty of, urine, wash the blistered part frequently with Warm milk and Avater, or apply sweet oil. In children, a s ippression of urine is often relieved by a poultice of raAv onions or radishes applied to the bottom of the belly. Regimen. During the violence of this complaint the 'lightest diet only should be used, and mucilaginous drinks taken freely. Those who are often afflic'ed with it, ought carefully to avoid aliment hard of digestion, flatulent, or of a heating nature. PILES. Symptoms. Painful tumors about the fundament, or a flow of blood from it. Causes. Costiveness—strong aloe tic purges—much riding—or sedentary habits. Treatment. If the patient be of a full habit, bleed and live abstemiously, keep the body gently open Avith molasses and water, or equal parts of sulphur and cream of tartar, in doses of a tea-spoonful two or three times a day. When the tumors are painful, set over a steam of hot water and anoint the part Avith SAveet oil, or wash frequently with lead water, to a half pint of wliich may be added one or two table-spoonfuls of laudanum. If the tumors will not yield to one or other of these applications, anoint them night and morn- ing, with mercurial ointment, to which may be added opium. If the disease arises from debility, give ten grains of steel thrice a day. When the piles are of the bleeding sort, apply cloths dipped in cold vinegar and water, or a strong solution of Avhite vitriol or alum, frequently to the fundament. 01 dysentery or bloody flux. 319 anoint the part with the hemorrhoidal ointment, (see Re- cipe 66,) and endeavour to restore the tone of the ves- sels by the use of bark, columbo, or steel. DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX. Symptoms. A discharge of mucus by stool often bloody—violent gripings—pain in the loins—a constant inclination to go to stool without being able to void any thing; and sometimes fever. Causes. Putrid air and aliment—green fruit—strong cathartics—obstructed perspiration, and whatever in- creases the natural irritability of the intestines. Treatment. To conduct the patient safely through this disease, the boAvels should be evacuated by calomel, castor oil or the cathartic mixture; (see Recipe 11,) and if the patient be of an inflammatory disposition, or there be febrile symptoms, blood-letting will also be required. After the acrid contents of the stomach and intestines have been evacuated, the anodyne sudorific bolus or draught (see Recipe 20 & 18) may be given at bed time : and on the following day, if there be no evacua- tion of a natural appearance, one or other of the above aperient medicines must be exhibited in small doses, until the desired effect is obtained. To produce a natural evacuation daily, is a circum- stance of the greatest importance in this disease, and should at all times be kept in view. To neglect this, as my good old friend Doctor Henry Stevenson of Bal- timore, used often to say, would be like " Locking the thief in the house to do all the mischief he could." It is sometimes proper, instead of bleeding, to give an em- etic in the beginning of the disease, to persons of Aveak habits ; but where there is a great degree of irritability of the stomach, or obstructions of the liver, vomiting aa ill do more harm than good. When the disease is epidemic, after having premised the necessary evacuations, calomel is most to be depend- ed on, in doses of four or five grains, combined Avith the anodyne sudorific bolus, or with one or two grains of opium alone, exhibited every night. And when the 320 dysentery, or bloody flux. calomel does not produce a natural evacuation, it is al- ways proper to give a small dose of castor oil, or one or two wine-glasses of the cathartic mixture (see Recipe 11) every morning, until the disease begins to yield. If acidity prevails in the stomach and intestines, as marked by oppression, heat, sour belching and vomiting, and excoriations about the fundament, besides a liberal use of mucilaginous and sheathing drinks, a wine-glass- ful of the absorbent mixture, (see Recipe 8.) or a spoon- ful or two of new milk and lime water, should be given every two or three hours. Frequent injections of flax- seed tea or barley water with a table-spoonful of laud- anum are of infinite service when the pain in the bow- els and tenesmus are distressing. In obstinate cases, or when there is the least appre- hension of an inflammation of the boAvels, the warm bath or local fomentation to the belly, and aftenvards a blister, are indispensable. At the close of the disease, or when it indicates symptoms of a putrid nature, the infusion of bark or columbo is particularly useful, with Avine; and rhubarb may be administered as a purge. Doctor Mosely of Jamaica, states, that in chronic dys- entery, unattended with fever, there is not a more effi- cacious medicine than the vitriolic solution, (see Recipe 7) in doses of a table-spoonful every morning, with an opiate at bed time. In preparing this solution, the proportion of either the vitriol or alum may be increased or diminished accord- ing to circumstances; that is, when eAracuations are re- quired, the quantity of alum may be diminished, or entirely omitted, and when great astringency is ie mir- ed, the quantity of alum is to be increased and the vit- riol diminished. Another simple, though efficacious remedy in this dis- ease, is a solution of common saltin vinegar or lemon juice, termed antidysenteric mixture, (see Recipe 10.) This medicine has also been strongly recommended in bilious fever or putrid sore throat, w hen the boAvels are in an irri- table state. DeAvberry is likewise a valuable medicine in this distressing disease. See Materia Medica. APOPLECTIC-FITS.. 321 Regimen. In the violence of this disease, the diet should consist only of arrroAv root, sago, panada, or gruel, and the drinks of a cooling and sheathing na- ture, as barley or rice water, flaxseed tea, or mucilage of gum arabic. But when the disease has existed some time, the diet should be more nourishing, particu- larly if the patient has been Aveakened by preceding disease, or is either of a tender or an advanced age. Oranges, and whatever ripe fruit the season affords, may be allowed. The room should be constantly fumigated with vine- gar, and well ventilated. The clothing as Avell as the bedding ought to be often renewed, and all offensive odours, particularly the feces, should be removed as speedily as possible. Prevention. The same means of prevention are here to be used, as under the head of bilious fever; and as this disease becomes infectious, like autumnal fevers do, by neglect of cleanliness, its further progress through the medium of bad air, may be checked by attending to the mode of purifying that element, prescribed under the head of nervous fever. APOPLECTIC-FITS. Symptoms. Sudden falling to the ground, with a deprivation of sense and motion, attended by deep sleep and noisy breathing; the circulation remaining unim- paired. Causes. Plethora—hard drinking—too large doses of opium—blows—tight neck-cloths, or whatever in- terrupts the return of the blood from the head. Treatment. In the cure of a disease threatening such sudden fatality, remedies must be speedily em- ployed. The patient's head should instantly be raised and supported; and he be placed in a situation where he can respire a cool air. He is to be bled most copi- ously to the amount of a quart or more, and this must be repeated after a short time if he is not relieved, especial- ly if the disease occur in a person of robust and plethoric habit. Brfsk purges are next to be administered, and 2 R 322 epileptic-fits. when these cannot be sAvallowed, the most stimulating injections should be throAvn up. Where the disease depends rather on a depletion of the blood vessels than on too great fulness, which may be known by its attacking old people of debilitated habits; bleeding is sparingly to be resorted to, particu- larly if the countenance appears to be sunk and palid. In these cases the patient ought to be laid on a bed, with his head elevated, and turned every hour; glysters are then to be given, and as soon as liquids can be swal- lowed, the contents of the stomach and boAvels should be evacuated by a brisk purge. Sinapisms and blisters to the extremities should not be neglected. But searing the soles of the feet with a hot iron, will more certainly and suddenly rouse the torpid system. Regimen. The diet should be of the loAvest kind, consisting principally for several days after the attack, of diluent drinks; such as rice or barley Avater, tamarind water, flaxseed tea, &c. Prevention. In full habits, let the diet be light and sparing, and the bowels kept open. In debilitated habits, the diet should be more nourishing, and the strengthening medicines, as bark, steel, &c. employed to give tone to the vessels. EPILEPTIC-FITS. Symptoms. The patient falls suddenly with a de- privation of sense; while the muscles of the face and every part of the body are violently convulsed. Causes. Excessive drinking—sudden stoppage, of the courses—severe fright—-injuries of the head—teeth- ing—and irritation from Avorms in the stomach and in- testines. Treatment. To prevent the patient from injuring himself by the violence of his struggles, he ought im- mediately to be placed on a bed. The clothing should be every where loosened, and the head moderately ele- vated. A slip of wood should be placed between the EPILEPTIC-FITS. 323 jaws to prevent their closing on the tongue, and nothing is to be administered in a glass vessel. Should it ap- pear that the patient has been drinking too freely of spi- rituous liquors, or has loaded his stomach Avith indigesti- ble matter, a strong emetic should be immediately given, Avhich, by cleansing the stomach, will often terminate the paroxysm. If suppressed evacuations are the cause, they must be reexcited by such means as are calculated to restore the course of nature. If the patient complain of pain in the head, a seton in the nape of the neck should not be omitted. If Avorms be the fault, wliich may be known by an offensive breath and irregular appetite, they must be removed before a radical cure can be effected. Sometimes an epilepsy is preceded by an uueasy sen- sation in some of the limbs or trunk of the fcfc>dy, creep- ing upAvards to the head. In this case, the m will be prevented by applying a ligature above the part so af- fected. Many cases have occurred, in which this disease has been cured with the sugar of lead, particularly under the agie of maturity. It should be commenced in small doses, beginning with one fourth of a grain, for a half groAvn person, and gradually increased to tAvo grains or more, thrice a day, made into pills with the crumbs of bread. If from using this medicine the bowels are dis- ordered, it should be laid aside until relief is obtained by the use of the warm bath, mild laxatives, and opium in more than usual doses. A small portion of opium combined with the lead will generally obviate or correct its unpleasant operation. The good effects of nitrate of silver, commonly call- ed lunar caustic, have also been attested by eminent phy- sicians, in doses from one fourth,very gradually increas- ed to a grain, twice a day, made into pills Avith bread. The floAvers of zinc have likewise been highly spoken of, and are said to have performed permanent cures, in doses of six or eight grains morning and night. The herb cardamine or ladies smock, has been pre- scribed with advantage, and may be taken to the extent of a drachm three or four times a day. 8S4 HYSTERIC-FITS. As there is incontrovertible evidence, that these medi- cines have succeeded in certain cases, they are all de- serving of a fair trial, particularly in the treatment of a disease in which no plausible remedy should be left un- tried. FAINTING-FITS. Symptoms. The pulse and respiration suddenly becomes exceedingly feeble, insomuch at times, as to create a fear of the total extinction of life. Causes. Fright—long fasting—large evacuations— debility, &c. Treatment. The patient should be placed in a reclining p^ture, and every part of the clothing which by its tightness is likely to interrupt the free circulation of blood, must be immediately loosened. The doors and windoAvs of the room, especially if the weather be warm, should be kept open, and no more persons ad- mitted than are necessary to give assistance ; and these should not prevent the free access of the air to the patient. Sprinkle the face Avith cold Avater or vinegar, and apply volatiles, burnt linen or feathers to the nostrils; and that the stimulus may with more certainty be in- haled, the patient should be kept from breathing through the mouth, by holding a handkerchief forcibly against it, taking care, however, to leave the nostrils perfectly free. HYSTERIC-FITS. Tins disease more frequently occurs in the unmarried or barren Avoman, and those Avho lead a sedentary life. It very seldom appears before the age of puberty, or after the age of thirty-five years. The time at which it most readily occurs, is that of the menstrual period. It generally commences with universal languor and coldness of the extremities. The colour of the face is variable, being sometimes flushed and sometimes pale. hysteric-fits. 325 The pulse becomes unequal and obscure. The stomach is sometimes affected with vomitings, the lungs with dif- ficulty of breathing, and the heart with palpitations. A painful sensation is often felt, like that of a globe or a ball in the left side of the belly, advancing upwards, and producing the same uneasiness in the stomach, from which it rises in the throat, occasioning by its pressure, a sense of suffocation; when a degree of fainting comes on, and certain convulsive motions take place, agita- ting the trunk of the body and limbs in various Avays; after Avhich, alternate fits of laughter and crying occur, and a remission then ensues. In some patients, a vio- lent beating pain takes place in some part of the head, as if a nail was driving into it. Sharp pains, likewise, attack the loins, back and bladder, and the patient makes an unusual quantity of urine as limpid as water; which is one of the most characteristic signs of the disease. ' The appearances which take place in this affection, are considerably varied in different persons, and even in the same persons at different times. It differs, by having more or fewer of those circumstances above mentioned; by these circumstances being more or less violent; and by the different duration of the whole fit. If the patient be young and of a plethoric habit, blood- letting will be required during the fit; but in delicate constitutions this operation is not advisable. Volatiles, singed feathers, and the like, should be applied to the nosirils ; and if the patient can swallow, a tea-spoonful of aether, or thirty or forty drops of laudanum may be given in a glass of cold water, and repeated in a couple of hours or sooner if necessary. Glysters of gruel, to which have been added a tea-spoonful or two of lau- danum, will also have a good effect. The feet and legs should as soon as possible be put into warm water, and well rubbed Avith the hand. Cold water sprinkled on the face, and the admission of cool air in the room, are likewise proper auxiliaries. During the intermission of the fit, the nervous sys- tem should be strengthened to prevent a recurrence, by 326 PALSY. the tonic powders, pills, or drops (see Recipe 4, 23 & 19) in their usual doses, after haA'ing administered some purgative medicine. Upon the approach of any languor, the patient should instantly take a glass of Avine, or a tea-spoonful of lavender, or ten or twelve drops of laudanum in a glass of cold water. Regimen. An attention to diet is highly proper for the removal of this disease. A milk and vegetable diet duly persisted in, Avill have the most salutary effect, especially in sanguine constitutions. The best drink after dinner is Avater with the addition of a little good wine, or a smaller quantity of old spirits. Tea should be prohibited altogether, or used sparing- ly. Moderate exercise, particularly riding on horse- back, is of the greatest service, as are likewise amuse- ments and cheerful company. PALSY. Is a disease consisting in a loss of the poAver of vo- luntary motion, but affecting certain parts of the body only, and by this it is distinguished from apoplexy. In the most violent degrees of palsy, the patient loses both the power of motion, and sense of feeling, either of one side, or the lower half of the body. The first is termed hemiplegia, the latter paraplegia. When it affects any particular parts only, as the tongue, the lip, eyelid, &c. it is termed a local palsy. Symptoms. If this disease be not the effect of apo- plexy, it is often preceded by universal torpor, giddi- ness, a sense of weight or uneasiness in the head, dul- ness of comprehension, loss of memory, and a sense of coldness in the part about to be affected; there is also, sometimes, tremor, creeping, and pain in the part. Causes. Compression of the brain from any of the causes inducing apoplexy—certain poisons received into the body, as lead, arsenic, &c.—injuries done the spinal marrow. It is also produced in consequence of extreme debility, and old age. PALSY. 327 Treatment. If palsy arises from the causes pro- ducing apoplexy, it must necessarily be treated in the manner recommended for the cure of that disease, by bleeding copiously in full habits, and keeping the boAvels in a laxative state for many days. When it arises from diminished energy of the ner- Arous system, both internal and external stimulants are required. In this state, a table-spoonful of horse radish scraped, or the same quantity of mustard-seed swal- lowed three or four times a day, will have a good ef- fect. The volatile alkali is also of infinite service in large doses. At the same time external stimulants must be duly attended to, such as dry frictions over the part affected, with a flesh brush or rough cloths, and the floAver of mustard, or flannels impregnated with the oil of turpentine, volatile liniment, or oil of sassafras, to which should be added some of the tincture of cantha- rides. Stimulating the parts with nettles has produced good effects, as well as electricity, particularly in local palsies. A seton in the neck, particularly if the patient is affected with giddiness, will afford considerable re- lief, and should not be neglected. If the disease is in consequence of a curvature in the back bone, compressing the spinal marrow, a perpetual blister or issue over the part affected, or on each side of the diseased portion of the bone, is the only remedy. A local palsy, particularly when it is confined to one muscle, Avill generally yield to the application of a blis- ter as near to the part affected as possible. Regimen. In plethoric habits the diet should be of the lightest kind ; but quite the contrary in debilitated habits. In such cases the diet should be warm and strengthening; seasoned with spices and aromatic in- gredients, and the drink must be generous Avine, mus- tard whey, ginger tea, or brandy and water. Flannel worn next the skin is peculiarly proper, so is regular exercise, when not carried to fatigue, or used in a cold damp air. 328 hypochondriac disease. HYPOCHONDRIAC DISEASE, (Commonly called Vapours or Low Spirits.) This complaint chiefly occurs in the male, and that at advanced life ; and it is confined, for the most part, to persons of a sedentary or studious disposition; espe- cially such as have indulged grief or anxiety. Symptoms. Languor, listlessness, or want of re- solution and activity, with respect to all undertakings —a disposition to seriousness, sadness, and timidity as to all future events—an apprehension of the worst or most unhappy state of them, and therefore often, on slight ground, a dread of great evil. Such persons are particularly attentive to the state of their own health, and to the smallest change of feeling in their bodies; from any unusual sensation, perhaps of the slightest kind, they apprehend great danger, and even death itself; and, in respect to all their feelings and appre, hensions, there is, for the most part, unfortunately, the most obstinate belief and persuasion. This diseased state of mind, is sometimes attended with symptoms of indigestion, hysterical affections, and sometimes with melancholy; but these are merely effects. Causes. Indolence—violent passions of the mind —the suppression of customary evacuations—obstruc- tions of some of the viscera, &c. ; but its immediate cause appears to be a loss of energy in the brain, or tor- pid state of the nervous system. Treatment. The cure of this disease seems to de- pend on exciting the nervous energy which is depress- ed, and that particularly by attending to the state of mind. A constant state of motion should therefore be ad- vised, especially by riding on horseback, and making long journies, Avhich presents new objects to the view. Nothing is more pernicious in this disease, than idle- ness ; but in avoiding it, all application to former stu- HYPOCHONDRIAC DISEASE. 329 dies, are to be prevented. The present emotions must be favoured and indulged; and though an attempt should be made to Avithdraw the attention of such patients from themselves, yet their confidence ought first to be gained; and since the persuasion of their own opinion is strong, and the infallibility of their OAvn fears and sensations rooted, however absurd these may be, they require a verynice management.* Raillery must never be attempt- * Some Hypochondriacs hare fancied themselves miserably afflicted in one way, and some in another—some have insisted that they were tea pots, and some that they were town clocks—This that he had a big belly, and that his glass legs—one that he was extremely ill, and another that he was actu- ally dying. But I have never heard of any of this blue-devil class, whose ex- travagance ever yet came up to the following, which was related to me by my noble hearted old friend, the late Dr. Stevenson, of Baltimore, whose ve- ry name always sounds in my ears, as the summary of every manly virtue. This Hypochondriac, who by the bye was a patient of Dr. Stevenson, after ringing the change on every mad conceit that ever tormented a crazy brain, would have it at last that he was dead, actually dead. Dr. Stevenson having been sent for one morning in great haste, by the wife of his patient, hastened to his bed side, where he found him stretched out at full length, his hands across his breast, his great toes in contact, his eyes and mouth closely shut, and his looks cadaverous. Well, Sir, how do you do ? how do you do this morning ? asked Dr. Ste- venson, in his blustering jocular way, approaching his bed. " How do I do," replied the Hypochondriac faintly—" a pretty question to ask a dead man." "Dead"! replied the Doctor. "Yes, Sir, dead, quitede"ad. I died last night about twelve o'clock." Quick as lightning Dr. Stevenson caught his cue, which was to strike him on the string of his character,on wliich the Doctor happily recollected he was very tender. Having gently put his hand on the forehead of the Hypochondriac, as if to ascertain whether it was cold, and also felt his pulse, he exclaimed in a doleful note, " Yes, the poor man is dead enough—'tis all over with him, and now the sooner he can be buried the better." Then stepping up to his wife, and whispering her not to be frightened at the measures he was about to take, he called to the servant, " My boy, your poor master is dead And the sooner he can be put in the ground the better. Run to Mr. C—m, for I know he always keeps New England coffins by him ready made, and do you hear, bring a coffin of the largest size, for your master makes a stout corpse, and having died last night, and the weather warm, he will soon begin to smell." Away went the servant, and soon returned with a proper coffin. The wife and family having got their lesson from the Doctor, gathered around him, and howled no little, while they were putting the body in the coffin.— Presently the pall-bearers who were quickly provided and let into the secret, started with the Hypochondriac for the church-yard. They had not gone far before they were met by one of the towns-people, who having been pro- perly drilled by the facetious Stevenson, cried oat, " Ah Doctor ! what poor soul have you got there?" " Poor Mr. II----," sighed, the Doctor—" left us last night." 2 s 330 HYPOCHONDRIAC DIESASE. ed. From this supposed bodily affection, the mind should be diverted by employments suitable to the cir- cumstances and situation in life, and unattended with " Great pity he had not left us twenty years ago," replied the other, " for he was a bad man." Presently another of the towns-men met them with the same question. " And what poor soul have you got there Doctor ?" " Poor Mr. B----," answered the Doctor again, " is dead." " Ah! indeed!" said the other. " And so the devil has got his own at last." " Oh villain!" exclaimed the man in the coffin, " if I was not dead, how I would pay you for that." Soon after this, while the pall-bearers were resting themselves near the church-vard, another one stepped up with the old question again," what poor soul have you got there Doctor?" " Poor Mr. B," he replied, " is gone." " Yes, and to h—11, said the other, for if he is not gone there, I see not what use there is for such a place." Here the dead man bursting off the lid of the cof- fin, which had been purposely left loose, leapt out exclaiming, " Oh, you vil- lain ! I am gone to h—11, am I'—AVell, I have come back again to pay such un. grateful rascals as you are." A race was immediately commenced between the dead man and the living, to the petrifying consternation of many of the specta- tors, at sight of a corpse, bursting from the coffin, and in all the horrors of the winding sheet, racing through the streets After having exercised himself into a copious perspiration by this fantastic chace, the Hypocondriac was brought home by Doctor Stevenson, freed of all his complaints. And by strengthening food, generous wine, cheerful company, and moderate exercise, was soon restored to perfect health. To demonstate further, the happy effects of possessing quick wit, " to shcot folly as it flies*." I will cite another case of Hopocliondriasm, which came under the care of that Philanthrophic and learned physician, the late Doctor Crawford, of Baltimore, who in every thing amiable and good, was not unlike his intimate friend Doctor Stevenson. A certain Hypochondriac, who for a long time fancied himself dying of a liver complaint, was advised by Dr. Crawford, to make a journey to the state of Ohio. After an excursion of three months he returned home, apparently in good health; but upon receiving information of the death of a twin brother who had actually died of a schirrus liver, he immediately took the staggers, and falling down roared out that he was dead, and had, as he always expected, died of a liver complaint. Dr. Crawford being sent for, immediately at- tended, and asked the Hypochondriac how he could be dead, seeing he could talk. But still he would have it that he was actually dead. Whereupon the sagacious Doctor exclaimed, " O yes, the gentleman is certainly dead, and it is more than probable, his liver was the death of him. However, to ascertain the fact, I will hasten to cut him open before putrefaction takes place."____ And thereupon getting a carving knife, and whetting it as a butcher would to open a dead calf, he stepped up to him and began to open his waistcoat, when the Hypochondriac, horribly frightened, that he leaped up with the agility of a rabbit, and crying out" Murder! Murder ! Murder !" run of with a speed that would have defied a score of Doctors to catch him. After run- ning a considerable distance, until he was almost exhausted, lie halted ; and not finding the Doctor at his heels, soon became composed. From that period this gentleman was never known to complain of his liver ; nor had he for bet- ter than twenty years afterwards any symptom of this disease. HYPOCHONDRIAC DISEASE. 331 much emotion, anxiety, or fatigue. Company which en- gages attention, and is at the same time of a cheerful kind, will always be found of great service. The occa- sional reading of entertaining books, or playing at any game, in which some skill is required, and where the stake is not an object of much anxiety, if not too long protracted, will further assist in diverting the mind from itself. The symptoms of indigestion, and hysteric com- plaints, that so frequently attend this state of mind, al- though the effect, rather than the cause, are objects of practice; inasmuch as they tend to aggravate and real- ize the false apprehensions of the patient. These se- condary affections require the same mode of treatment as recommended for indigestion and the hysteric disease. The warm bath is peculiarly beneficial in this com- plaint, and Avhen the system becomes somewhat invigo- rated, the cold bath may be employed Avith advantage, provided there exist no obstructions in the bowels.— From an acid acrimony generally prevailing in the sto- mach, the rust of steel or filings of iron in doses of ten grains thrice a day, is the most salutary medicine of all the tonics. Regimen. A proper diet constitutes an essential part, in the treatment of this malady. In general, light animal food is what alone agrees with such patients; for there are feAV, if any vegetables, which do not prove flatulent in their boAvels. Acids are particularly inju- rious. All malt liquors, except porter, are apt to ex- cite too high a fermentation in the stomach; and wines, for the most part, are liable to the same objections. If an exception can be made in favour of any, it is good old Madeira, if it can be obtained, Avhich not only pro- motes digestion, and invigorates the concoctive powers, but acts, immediately, as a generous and av holesome cordial. The use of spirituous liquors is not to be re- commended as a habitual resource, though they may be taken occasionally, in a moderate quantity, diluted Avith Avatciv Tea and' coffee, though hurtful to people a\ ith 333 CRAMP—TETANY, OR LOCKED JAAV. bad digestion, are often useful, however, to the hypo- chondriac. Moderate exercise we have already obser- ved, is indispensable in the cure of this complaint; and it cannot be taken arv way Avith so much advantage, as in long journies wlien convenient, accompanied with such circumstances, as may convert them into an agree- able amusement, CRAMP. A painful spasm of the calf of the leg or muscles of the toes, and sometimes of the stomach. Causes. Sudden stretching of the limbs—advanced pregnancy—acidity—indigestion, &c. Treatment. A cramp of the calf of the leg is best relieved by standing up, Avhich simple act, by throAving the weight of the body on the toes, forcibly extends the muscles, and thus takes off the spasm. If the cramp arises from acidity or indigestion, give every night a pill composed of half a grain of opium, with six grains each, of rhubarb and prepared chalk* and take ten grains of the rust of steel, morning and noon. A cramp of the stomach is best treated by an infu- sion of red pepper, f see Materia MedicaJ or a large dose of aether or laudanum, accompanied with friction on the part, either by a flesh brush, or flannel. When these fail, a very copious bleeding will sometimes re- move the spasm, after Avhich the patient must be purged. Persons subject to the cramp in the leg, may prevent it by av earing stockings in bed, and occasionally nib- bing the part with camphorated oil. According to vul- gar authority, sulphur grasped in the hand, is good to cure, and carried in the pocket to prevent, cramp, TETANY, OR LOCKED JAW. Symptoms. A rigid and painful contraction of all or several of the muscles. Its first symptoms is a stiff- TETANY, OR LOCKED JAW. 333 uess in the back of the neck, increasing to pain, extend- ing next to the root of the tongue, then shoots into the breast, and lastly seizes the back. Causes. Wounds of the hem} or extremities—and punctures of the slightest kind, as running a splinter under the nail, or into the toe or finger. It is equally induced from cold or moisture, particu- larly when sudden vicissitudes prevail, or sleeping on damp ground. Treatment. Give on the first appearance of this disease, tAvo or three tea-spoonfuls of laudanum or three or four grains of opium, to be repeated every two hours or oftener, with a half pint or more of wine or strong spirits and water, between the doses. These remedies should be increased and carried to the utmost extent, as the symptoms may indicate. If these should fail to relieve the spasm; give from twenty to thirtydrops of the tincture of (see Recipe 5Q) can- tharides every hour, until it produces stranguaryora diffi- culty of urine. As soon as this occurs, it must be discontinu- ed, and flaxseed or marsh mallow tea, or barley water drank freely, and some of it injected by way of glysters, to Avhich may be occasionally added, a tea-spoonful or two of laudanum. Cold Avater poured suddenly on the shoulders, has sometimes done admirable service, and which may al- Avays be looked for, if the patient after being wiped dry and put to bed, feel a kindly glow over the system.—. Otherwise the cold bath should be laid aside; and the warm bath in its place, accompanied with diaphoretic medicines, as the anodyne sudorific drops, (see Recipe 17) in larger doses than usual for promoting perspira- tion. On the decline of the spasm, bark with wine and opiates at bed time should be given until the patient's health is reinstated. (See Tobacco Materia Medica.) In every stage of the disease, it is of importance to keep the boAvels open, by the usual stimulating purga- tives or glysters. 384 palpitation of the heart. When local injuries have been the cause of this disor- der, the wound should be dilated and filled with com- mon salt, Spanish flies, or turpentine, and afterwards dressed with warm p^pces until the wound be brought to a state of good digemion. If a wounded finger or toe be the cause of this horrible malady, it ought instantly to be cut off. PALPITATION OF THE HEART. Symptoms. In this disease, the motion of the heart is performed Avith more rapidity, and generally with greater force than usual; which may not only be felt by the hand, but often be perceived by the eye, and even heard; there is frequently a difficulty of breathing, a purplish hue of the cheeks and lips, and a variety of anxious and painful sensations : it sometimes terminates in sudden death. Causes. A morbid enlargement of the heart itself, and of the large vessels—organic affections—an heredi- tary disposition—plethora—debility or morbidity of the system—mal-conformation of the chest, and many of the causes inducing fainting. Treatment. The exciting causes must be avoided or removed, if they are within our power. When the disease arises from plethora, and the action of the heart is violent, bleeding is indispensable, which should be followed by a cooling cathartic: and after- Avards the tincture of digitalis, in doses from ten to twen- ty drops thrice a day, by lessening the action of the ar- terial system, will effect a cure. When there is reason to believe this affection is in consequence of debility, the solution of arsenic in its usual doses, taken for some time, is a certain remedy. When the nervous system is affected, small doses of aether or laudanum, will be found very serviceable. Those Avho are subject to a palpitation of the heart HICCUP—NIGHT MARE. 335 should carefully avoid violent1 exercise, irresmlar pas- sions, and all circumstances that may tend to increase the action of the sanguiferous system. HICCUP. Is a spasmodic affection of the diaphragm, and some- times of the stomach; from the irritation of acidity, poi- sons, &c. Treatment. When acidity is pointed out to be the cause, give the absorbent mixture (see Recipe 8) or twen- ty drops of hartshorn Avith a tea-spoonful of magnesia in a cup of mint tea, or a spoonful or two of milk and lime water; and to prevent its recurrence, take ten grains of the rust of steel thrice a day. When occa- sioned by poisons or improper food, an emetic will be proper. If the spasm continues violent, resort to small doses of aether or laudanum, or the camphorated julep, (see Recipe IS.) Preserved damsons have been found of excellent use in this complaint, in the quantity of a tea- spoonful every hour or oftener. In Aveak stomachs oppressed with indigestible food, a glass of good wine or spirit and water often relieves. ./Ether applied externally to the stomach on a soft linen rag, with a warm hand to confine it, is a good remedy; so is the application of a blister in obstinate cases. A sudden alarm has often succeeded in curing this affec- tion, after every other means had failed. NIGHT MARE. Symptoms. An alarming oppression or Aveight about the breast, with dread of suffocation. Causes. Late and excessive suppers—great f?itigue —drunkenness, or sleeping on the back. Treatment. If the patient be of a plethoric* habit. bleed, purge, and use a spare diet. And when the dis- 336 asthma. ease is thp consequence of debility and weak nerves, the tonic medicines, as steel, bark or columbo, in their usual doses, are proper. Prevention. The patient should sleep on a hard bed, which invites to frequent changes of sides, eat light suppers, which with due exercise, and ceerful- ness during the day, form the best preventive remedies. ASTHMA. Is often hereditary. When attended with an expec- toration of phlegm, it is termed moist or humoral; and when with little or none, dry or nervous asthma. Symptoms. It generally attacks at night with a sense of tightness across the breast, and impeded respi- ration. The person thus taken, if in a horizontal situ- ation, is obliged immediately to get into an erect pos- ture, and solicits a free and cool air. In violent parox- ysms, speaking is difficult and uneasy. Treatment. On the first attack of asthma, bleeding is serviceable, if the pain in the chest, and difficulty of breathing be considerable; but less so afterwards, since the disease has a natural tendency to take off the ple- thoric state of the system. When the fit comes on in consequence of a loaded stomach, an emetic Avill be found seroceable. A cup of strong coffee has oftentimes afforded great relief; and when the disease proceeds from the irritation of mucus, a spoonful or two of vinegar in a glass of cold water is a good remedy. As in other spasmodic affections, the most powerful antispasmodics as laudanum and aether, should be re- sorted to. These may be given conjointly or separate- ly, but in large doses, to allay the violence of the fit, or to prevent its accession. Thus half a tea-spoonful of lau- danum, or one of aether, to be repeated in an hour if neces- sary in a glass of cold water, has frequently relieved the HEART-BURN. 337 symptoms, or when taken at the approach of the fit, have suppressed it altogether. In every stage of this disease, the greatest attention must be paid to keep the bowels open by mild laxatives or glysters. According to Dr. Cutler, the emetic weed, (see Ma- teria Medica) is the most certain remedy in this disease. Regimen. A light diet, easily digestible and not fla- tulent, is always proper for asthmatic persons; and during the fit, cold drinks and fresh air are proper. It will ahvays be found serviceable to Avear a flannel shirt and to keep the feet warm. Prevention. During the absence of the paroxysm, tonic medicines and the cold bath, together with mo- derate exercise, will be most efficacious in obviating its recurrence. HEART-BURN. Symptoms. A burning sensation about the pit of the stomach, with acid eructations, flatulence, and some* times retching to vomit. Causes. A relaxed state of the stomach, generating various acidities and acrimonies from food too long de- tained. As it is often a symptom of indigestion, the cause may be found under the head of the folloAving chapter. Treatment. The first indication is to remove the unpleasant sensations existing, which may be done by taking either a small tea-spoonful of salt of tartar, or a table spoonful of magnesia in a glass of mint water or tea, or a Avine-glass full of each, of lime water and new milk; or a tumbler of mucilage of gum arabic or flaxseed tea taken cold, Avith a small piece of liquorice ball dissolved in it. But to cure the disease effectually, after an eme- tic, give ten grains of the rust of steel thrice a day for some time, and keep the bowels moderately open with magne- sia or the root of rhubarb cheAved occasionally, or che tincture of it, (see Recipe 52,) taken in small doses. If acrid bile be the cause of heart-burn, a tea-spoonful of the % T 338 INDIGESTION, OR spirits of nitre in a glass of the infusion of columbo gives ease, and combined with elixir vitriol, in their usual doses, ensures the cure. Regimen. The diet of those who are subject to this complaint, should consist chiefly of animal food; and all fermented or acid liquors and greasy aliment, must be strictly avoided. A glass of brandy, or gin and water after dinner is the best beverage. Moderate exercise is peculiarly beneficial. INDIGESTION, OR WEAKNESS OF THE STOMACH. Symptoms. Want of appetite—nausea—sometimes vomiting—heart-burn—costiveness—distentions of the stomach, particularly upon taking a small quantity of food—frequent risings into the throat of a sharp acid li- quor, and eructations of imperfectly digested matter. Causes. Errors and irregularities in the mode of liv- ing—cold and moisture—intense study—depressing pas- sions—and abuse of tobacco, opium or spirits. Treatment. If the patient complain of oppressed stomach, with nausea, give a vomit of ipecacuanha; and afterwards the columbo in substance or tincture, in a glass of strong mint water, three or four times a day, now and then interposing a dose of the tincture of rhu- barb, (see Recipe 52,) to prevent costiveness. A mix- ture of mustard seed with the columbo is of great util- ity, particularly Avhen acidity and flatulence prevail; as also lime water in doses of a Avine-glassfull thrice a day. If the disease, as is too often the case, has been brought on by hard drinking, its only radical cure is to be found in temperance, cordial nourishment, exercise and the use of the elixir vitriol with bark, or the tonic powder or pills. (See Recipe 4 & 23.) When the patient complains of a pain in the stomach, resort to the remedies for heart-burn, and use friction with a flesh brush or flannel over the part. Should this WEAKNESS OP THE STOMACH. 338 fail, give a dose of aether or laudanum; and in case of cosiiveness, administer an injection. This treatment will generally palliate the pain, after which endeavour to restore the tone of the stomach by tonic medicines, as bark, columbo, steel, &c. The costiveness peculiar to persons in this complaint, must be removed by medicines which gently solicit the intestines to a more regular discharge of their contents; and this effect is best obtained, by flour of sulphur, mag- nesia, or rhubarb chewed every day, and only the saliva swallowed. Strong purgatives are unfit to correct habits of costiveness, as they weaken the action of the intestines, and thereby increase the complaint when the evacuation is over. But nothing can so effectually obviate this affection, as a constant custom most sacredly observed, of going every morning to the temple although you have not a natural inclination. Should indigestion arise from a deficiency of bile, give morning and noon about twenty grains of ox gall, or the same quantity of columbo, when the former cannot be ob- tained. In some cases, particularly of old age, the digestion is injured by putrid matter, from decayed teeth, constant- ly mixed with the saliva; and thence affecting the organs of taste, and destroying the appetite. To correct this, wash the mouth frequently Avith a solution of alum or lime water, or wliich is preferable with fine charcoal pow- der, (see Receipe 5) diffused in Avarm water. Regimen. The diet should consist chiefly of animal food well chewed, and taken in small quantities, folloAV- ed with a glass of brandy and water, or good wine.— Frequent friction with a flesh brush or flannel over the region of the stomach and belly will be found exceeding- ly beneficial. Early rising and moderate exercise in the morning air can hardly be enough recommended, inasmuch as they contribute so happily to restore the tone of the stomach, as also of the whole system. It is impossible to furnish a plan of regimen adapted 340 COLIC to every constitution and habit, but if the patient will but pay due attention to what benefits, and what injures him, Avisely regulating his mode of living by the infor- mation thus obtained, his present maladies will soon disappear, and their future recurrence be for ever inhi- bited. COLIC, Symptoms. A violent pain in the boAvels originating from constriction, attended Avith costiveness and some- times vomiting. The pain is commonly seated about the navel, and resembles various sensations, as of burn- ing, twisting, boring, or a ligature drawn very tight across the intestines. It comes on Avithout fever, but Avhich soon follows, especially if inflammation take place in the intestine af- fected, and then all the symptoms become greatly ag- gravated. Causes. Flatulence-^-indigestible aliment taken in- to the stomach—acrid bile—hardened fceces—costive- ness^—worms—drinking too freely of acids—intermit- tents improperly cured—sudden check of perspiration— and the application of poisons, such as lead, &c. &c. Treatment, When the disease evidently arises from Avind (as may be known by a rumbling in the bow- els, by pressure on the belly, or by the ease experienc- ed from a discharge of it, or by the patients lying on the belly,) -»a glass of brandy, gin, strong mint Avater, or tea made of ginger or calimus, \a ill generally relieve, But it is only in colic from wind that these hot spiri- tuous Tind carminative substances are to be used, for in all other cases they do great harm, and often destroy the patient. Where the pain is fixed and acute, bleeding is ad- visable, particularly in full habits, to prevent inflamma- tion. Next the action of the intestines must be excited by brisk purgatives, such as castor oil, calomel and ja- ♦ colic. 341 lap, or salts, senna and manna, aided by stimulating glysters. If these means prove inefficacious, immedi- ate recourse must be had to the Avarm bath, in which the patient should remain as long as he can bear it.— Where a bathing vessel cannot be procured, flannels wrung out of hot water should be frequently applied over the belly, as warm as can be endured. Tobacco glysters, two drachms of the leaves in a decoction may also be administered; and when the pain continues ob- stinate, a large blister ought to be applied over the belly. If the above remedies prove ineffectual, opium and calomel in large doses should be employed. To tlieir exceeding utility in obstinate colic, I can subscribe, from numberless successful experiments, made by myself.* Eminent modern physicians advise, that Avhen all other means are despaired of, the patient should be placed erect on the floor, and a pail of cold water throA\;n on his feet and legs; this, though apparently a droll remedy, yet certainly deserves to be tried in des- perate cases, especially as Ave are assured from the best authority, that it has often succeeded: it acts, as is said, by occasioning an immediate evacuation of the bowels. * How I came in possesion of this admirable secret, both justice and grati- tude require that I should explain. In the year 1801,1 spent several weeks in Georgetown Columbia district. While there, I was requested to visit a Mr. James Turner, who had long been indisposed with the ague and fever; but then suffering under a severe attack of the colic, accompanied with most obstinate costiveness. For three or four days the best aperients, as calomel, castor oil, salts, senna and manna, and in- jections, with the warm bath, and blisters were used, but without effect.____ Reiug much alarmed about his situation, I stated the case to my very excel- lent friend, the ingenious and learned Doctor John Weems, who advised the immediate use of six grains of opium, with twenty of calomel in a bolus ; and one third of that dose every two hours afterwards, if the first failed to operate. I expressed my fears that so large a dose of opium might do harm; " No sir,"■ replied he, " 'tis small doses that do harm; give large doses, large enough to take off the spasms, and you save the patient. I still retained my repugnance ; however, recollecting his great medical attainments,and the desperate case of my patient, I acceded to his advice, and scarcely was the second dose swallowed, before it began to operate like a charm. The spasm was taken off the intestines—copious foetid evacuations succeeded, and our patient was presently restored. This is but one of many extraordinary cures performed by Doctor John AVeems. The citizen^ of Georgetown and Washington, will long lament the early fate of this gentleman, of whom for ardent friendship, and medical sagacity, I can truly say—his equal I have sstDOMsecn, his superior never- 34£ CHOLERA MORBUS, OR VOMITING AND PURGING. For the vomiting which often occurs in this disease, common garden mint, peppermint, (see Materia Medica) or any other spices boiled in wine or spirits, and flannels wrung out of it, and laid hot on the pit of the stomach, are excellent/jespeciallyif alittle laudanum be added. If acrid bile be thrown up, the saline mixture, or infusion of co- lumbo should be given; and Avhen vomiting is attended with cold extremities, a blister to the back often relieves this symptom. Regimen. Evacuations being once produced, muci- laginous drinks and light diet should be strictly adher- ed to; and the bowels kept moderately open by mild purgatives, giving opiates at bed time if necessary, until the soreness and distention of the belly go off; and no hardened fceces appear in the stool. When recovered, the patient should cautiously avoid whatever may lead to a relapse, especially acid and fla- tulent food, costiveness, and taking cold. CHOLERA MORBUS, OR VOMITING AND PURGING. Causes. It is generally occasioned by a redundan- cy and acrimony of the bile—indigestible food or such as become rancid or acid on the stomach—poisons— strong acrid purges or vomits—passions of the mind, or a sudden check of perspiration. Treatment. Endeavour as early as possible to expel the acrimonious matter which affects the ali- mentary canal, by large and repeated draughts of chicken water, beef tea, barley or rice Avater, or thin gruel, &c. which should also be given freely in glysters. After having cleansed the stomach and intestines, give a tea-spoonful of aether, or tfiirty or forty drops of lau- danum, in mint water or tea, and repeat the dose every hour or oftener. as the frequency of the evacuations or the urgency of the pain may require, % In general, this mode of treatment is sufficient; but DIARRHOEA, OR LOOSENESS. 343 if the patient be of a plethoric habit, he ought to lose blood immediately; and in case the pain continues vio- lent, be placed in the warm bath; should the bathing vessel not be at hand, peppermint stewed in spirits, or cloths Avrung out of hot spirits or decoctions of camo- mile, hops, or lavender, ought to be applied to the stomach and belly, and often renewed. * If acrid bile be the cause of this complaint, the infu- sion of columbo (see Recipe 39,) must be given every half hour or oftener, in large doses; and incase of great heat, a small quantity of nitre in the patient's drink, will be proper. When the disease originates from food, either very acid or putrid, besides plentiful dilution with the above drinks, give castor oil, salts, or rhubarb; and if from poisons swallowed, the patient should drink largely of pure sweet oil, melted butter, or mucilaginous drinks, with small portions of salt of tartar. Regimen. As no disease more suddenly weakens the patient, he should take freely of a light but cordial and nourishing diet, occasionally assisting his appetite, if deficient, with elixir vitriol, tincture of bark, or infu- sion of columbo. If he cannot sleep well, an opiate at bed time may be taken, until his strength and spirits return. DIARRH(EA, OR LOOSENESS. Symtoms. A purging without sickness or pain, suc- ceeded by loss of appetite. Causes. Acid or putrid aliment—obstructed perspi- ration—acrid bile—drinking bad water—worms—violent ' passions, or a translation of morbid matter of other dis- eases to the boAvels. Treatment. If offending matter be lodged in thf. stomach, give an emetic, and an opiate at bed time; and on the succeeding day, if the disease is not removed, a dose of rhubarb or castor oil, folloAved by forty drops of laudanum at night. 344 DIARRHCEA, OR LOOSEESS. If the disease be in consequence of cold, and the skin be dry, the antimonial mixture (see Recipe 6) exhibit- ed in small doses during the day, and the anodyne su- dorific bolus or draught (seeReceipe20 & 18,) repeated at bed time, with a flannel shirt, will generally effect a cure. When bile is indicated to be the cause, the columbo in decoction or poAvder, will be found admirable; and if accompanied with sour and debilitated stomach, the to- nic poAvders or pills, (see Recipe 4 & 23) with exer- cise, are the best remedies. Where bad water is in fault, it should instantly be changed or corrected by av ine, brandy, or porter, remembering that in all cases of continued evacuation, laudanum may be given at night, after the stomach and boAvels have been cleared. When worms induce this disease, which may be knoAvn from the sliminess of the stools, and bad breath, such medicines as are calculated to destroyrthem must be employed. Afterwards a wine-glass full of lime Avater, Avith an equal quantity of new milk will be proper three times a day. < In obstinate cases, no medicine is superior to the con- tinued use of the vitriolic solution, (see Recipe 7) with an opiate at bed time. The nausea which this medi- cine produces is very disgusting, but from that circum- stance much of its efficacy is derived. Should a com- mon dose fail to nauseate, it should be increased until that symptom is effected. , The blackberry, (see Materia Medica,) conjoined AA'ith a small portion of cinamon, ginger, calamus, or some aromatic, is also a valuable remedy. Regimen. The diet should consist of arrow root, sago, rice milk, and the white meats. The drinks may be of the diluting kind, as already enumerated— genuine wine may also be allowed, if it does not turn sour on the stomach. Moderate exercise is peculiarly useful, and nothing facilitates the cure more than flan- nel next the skin.* * This was the " An^el in disguise," that opened the prison doors of thia uneasy life, and gave happy freedom to my ever-reverend father, Colonrl DROPSY. 345 DROPSY. A collection of Avater, in some part of the body. Symptoms. In common dropsies, the legs usually. sAvell, and a pit remains for some time after pressing the flesh—the appetite abates—the face is bloated—urine little—thirst great; with slow fever, shortness of breath, and lassitude. Causes. Excessive drinking—poor diet—immoder- ate bleedings and sallivations—scirrhus tumours of the Jesse Ewell, of Virginia. My sister Charlotte celebrated his virtues in an Elegy, the following extracts from which I beg permission of the reader to insei-t, as a small tribute of gratitude to the best of parents, and but a faint portraiture of his worth. " Early he woo'd tair virtue for his guide, And rarely wander'd trom her guardian side, By him the needy never were denied, He sooth'd their sorrows, and their wants supplied. He mourn'd the contests of the neighbouring poor, And open'd wide his peace-restoring door; , Where soon his wisdom taught their strifes to cease, Beviv'd their loves, and sent them home in peace. The slaves whom Heav'n to his care consign'd, Ne'er felt the terrors of a slavish mind; Well fed, warm clad, to moderate labours prest, They lov'd their fetters, and their bondage blest. As rRiEND—as father—who his praise can tell I Where first begin, or with due raptures swell.' To check our wrong, his frowns, were ever light, And sweet his smiles when'er we chose the right. And when at length the awful hour drew nigh, To waft his spirit to its native sky, « Such in that moment as in all the past, ** Oh bless my children, Heav'n !" was still his last. Now scap'd from earth, with God he dwells above, And shares with angels in their feast? of love. Then come, blest faith, come hasten to my aid, Lest grief profane disturb his happy shade; Teach me to bow submissive—and adore Th' unerring counsels of eternal power. "Which gives in love, or still in love denies, And makes e'en " crosses, blessings in disguise," And thou, fond memory, still my sire recall, Record his virtues, imitate them all— That joys like his my mortal life may prove, And pea,ce eternal crown my state above. 2v 316 DROPSY. ahdominal viscera; but particularly of the liver; and in fine, Avhatever may occasion too free a secretion of the serous fluids in the cellular membrane, or any ca- vity of the body, and at the same time diminish the ac- tion of the absorbent vessels. Treatment. Like other diseases, the treatment must vary according to circumstances. In every form of dropsy, if there be a hard, full and quick pulse, blood- letting constitutes one of the principal remedies, and must be repeated once or twice a Aveek, until the action of the arterial system is considerably diminished. Brisk purges, as calomel and jalap in full doses, are indispensable, and ought ahvays to succeed bleeding, and be given as often as the patient's strength will ad- mit, followed by the anodyne sudorific bolus or draught at bed time. (See Recipe 20 & 18.) While feverish symptoms continue, nitre is extremely useful in this dis- ease, in doses of ten grains four or fiAre times a day, or in such quantities as the stomach may bear; but should never be continued longer than two weeks, if no good effects result from its use. Another valuable medicine for lessening the action of the pulse, and thereby increas- ing absorption, is the fox-glove, (see Materia Medica) which may be given in poAvder, decoction or tincture. The latter is the most convenient form; and in doses of twenty or thirty drops in a wine-glass of mint water, may be taken tAvice or thrice a day, until the water is re- moved, or the inflammatory disposition taken off. If this quantity dor not ilfduce sickness, or produce any evident good effect, the dose must be gradually increased to for- ty or sixty drops or farther. Cream of tartar from half an ounce to an ounce dissol- ved in a pint or more of Avater, is a pleasant and use- ful drink, and this taken early in the morning has fre- quently succeeded in evacuating the Avater. As soon as the action of the pulse becomes lessened, it is necessary to strengthen the system and increase the digestive powers, by the exhibition of steel alone, or the tonic powers, pills, or drops (Recipe % S3 & 19) thrice GOUT. 34? a day, during the interAals of purging. In weak habits, accompanied with obstruction of the viscera and feeble pulse, stimulating medicines, as calomel in small doses to excite ptyalism; and aftenvards tonic medicines, with a generous diet, form the most valuable remedy. The juice of leeks in doses of a spoouful tAvice a day is said to have performed surprising cures; at any rate, in this state of the disease the patient can hardly make too free a use of the acrid stimulating vegetables, as garlic, onions, &c. Tight bandages applied in the morning round the bel- ly and limbs, have their good effects in preventing th* increase or return of dropsical swelling. Friction with a flesh brush or flannel every morning from the extremi- ties upwards, is of the greatest service; particularly if the skin be previously moistened with the volatile lini- ment, composed of equal parts of soap, spirit and vine- gar. Regimen. During the inflammatory disposition, or when there is a preternatural heat on the skin, or much action in the pulse, the diet should be light and easy of digestion. In the other state, Avhen the patient is weak and feeble, it should be of the most nourishing kind, with a liberal use of wine. Exercise is of the greatest importance Avhen not carried to fatigue. In the lowest stage of the disease, swinging or riding in a carriage are most proper; but as soon as the patient's strength will admit of it, riding on horseback will be found most beneficial. GOUT, Is often hereditary, but generally indolence and lux- , ury, are the hated parents of this disease, which righ- teous heaven has marked with such severity, that, like the leprosy of Naama, it is hardly ever curable.* * An English nobleman, after twenty years of riotous living, awoke one morning in the torments of the gout. As he lay writhing with pain, his servant ran up stairs to him with great joy in his countenance: O! sir, good MS GOUT. But though art has not often succeeded to cure the gout, yet it has discovered a variety of means to shorten the fits, and render them much more tolerable, Symptoms. The gout mostly affects the joints, but the viscera are not exempt from its ravages. It some- times comes on suddenly, passing from one part of the body to the other, in the twinkling of an eye; but ge- nerally is preceded by indigestion, flatulency, loss of ap- petite, unusual coldness of the feet and legs, with fre- quent numbness, sense of pricking, and cramp. These symptoms take place several days before the paroxysm comes on, but commonly the day preceding it, the ap- petite becomes greater than usual. The next morning, the patient is roused from his sleep, by an excruciating pain in the great toe, or ball of the foot, resembling the gnawing of a little dog. Treatment. No matter Avhat part of the body this disease first seizes, the lancet will be required in every case where there is an increased action of the pulse, to take off the inflammatory disposition. The extent to which the blood-letting must be carried, can only be as- certained by the violence of the disease, and the sex and constitution of the patient. In this, as in all inflamma? tory fevers, the bowels ought to be kept open by laxative medicines, as castor oil, sulphur, cream of tartar, rhu- barb, senna, jalap, or calomel. Nitre Avith diluting liquors, given in such quantities as to excite a gentle perspiration, are of great utility in the inflammatory stage of the disease. After the action of the pulse is someAvhat reduced by evacuations, blisters over the pained parts are greatly to be relied on. •inews', good news! there is a famous gout Doctor below, who says he will venture his ears, he can cure your honour in a week." "Ah ! that is good news indeed Torn ; well, run my good boy, and put up his carriage and horses, • and treat the Doctor like a Prince." "O sir, the gewlleman has no carriage and Worses; I believe he walked a foot !" " Walk a foot! what! cure the gout and walk a foot! go down Tom, go down, and instantly drive the rascal out of the house; set the dogs upon him, do you hear ? the lying varlet! why if He eould cure the gout he might ride in a richer carriage than his majesty." GOUT. 344) As soon as the inflammatory state of the gout has sub- sided, stimulants and tonic medicines, as bark and steel, are the best remedies. Laudanum, ajther, good French brandy and aromatics, as calamus, ginger, Virginia snake root, and red pepper, (see Materia Medica) in the form of teas, are all exceedingly useful in this feeble state of the disease, especially when it affects the stomach or boAvels. Besides these internal remedies, frictions on the stomach and bowels, o*- the application of cloths wrung out of hot spirits or water, over the pained parts, and sinapisms to the feet should be employed, whenever the gout attacks the head, lungs, bowels or stomach. Gentlemen long in the habits of intimacy with this dis- ease, should remember that it is of immense rudeness, and ready on the slightest provocation to quit the toes and knuckles, and seize on the very stomach and Iioav- els of its best friends. They should therefore be con- stantly on their guard, and keep always by them a vial of aether, or laudanum, or a case of good old French brandy;* the latter of which is admirable for chasing the gout from the stomach. The white heelbore (see Materia Medica,) is highly xtolled, as a remedy in this distressing disease. Regimen. The diet should be regulated according to the state of the patient. If feverish, and of a pletho- ric habit, the lightest diet ought to be used. If debili- tated and of a relaxed habit, generous diet should be allowed. Exercise, although painful at first, must be freely taken. • * For lack of this ammunition, the gallant AVayne was cut off long before f* his eye was dim, or his natural heat abated." Late in December, 1796, he embarked at Detroit for Presque Isle, but not without his usual supply of brands', which, however, was all lost, through his servant's carelessness in upsetting his case. Ob the passage he caught cold, which brought on a vio- + lent attack of the gout in the stomach ; and, for want of his usual remedy, he suffered the most excruciating torture until lie reached Presque Isle, where he died early in January, 1797. His body was deposited in the centre of the # fort, to show the children of future days, the grave of him, who so bravely % defended their liberties. Filial piety has since removed it_to his native 9tate, . where it now sleeps with the dust of his fathers. „, I am happy to acknowledge, that for this anecdote, I am indebted to ths politeness of my worthy friend Captain Hugh M'Call, of Savannah. J 35Q VENEREAL DISEASE. Prevention. If the person be plethoric, and has been accustomed to drink freely of wine, and eat hear- tily, he should gradually diminish the quantity of the aliment; particularly every spring and fall,*as the dis- ease is more liable to recur at those seasons than at any other time. But in debilitating habits predisposed to the gout, a stimulating diet is most proper, assisted with the use of the rust of steel, bitters or bark. In every case, costiveness should be avoided; and flannel worn next to the skin is peculiarly proper. Nothing, however, pre- vents the disease, more than temperance and exercise.* VENEREAL DISEASE. The venereal disease is of two species : the one, a local affection of the genital organs, termed Gonorrhoea, or Clap; and the other, a general or constitutional com- plaint, termed Syphilis, or Pox. THE GONORRHOEA, Of which we shall first treat, is an inflammation of the mucous membrane, lining the uretha in men, and the vagina in women; seated in the male about .the frcemim of the penis, and in the female a small distance up the * The story of the wealthy Mr. Palmer in the reign of George I. though well known to many, is yet so apropos to our subject, that I cannot deny mvself the wish to relate it. Ybung Mr. Palmer received from his father, what the London merchants call a plumb, (i e.) a round loo,oool. of which he contri- ved to make such "good use" that by the time he was forty years of age, he was torn to pieces by the gout. His physicians advised him to try the vir- tues of * sea voyage with the soft balmy air of Montpellier. He set out, but on his passage up the Mediteranean, was captured hy a' Algerine corsair, who took him to Morocco, and sold him for a slave He was bought bv a farmer, who carried him into the country, and set him to hard labour, allowing him nothing better than brown bread and dates, and even of that hardly enough to support him. His only drink was water, and his only bed a plank. In a few weeks every gouty symptom disappeared, and he recovered his health, with an uncommon portion of activity, These first of bless.ngs continued with him all the time he was in captivity, (two years,) at the expiration of which, he was ransomed by his friends.— On his return to England, he was hardly known by his acquaintances, so great wj.„ the change which temperance, and exercise had wrought upon him.— • But, alas ! for the hick of fortitude, he soon relapsed into his old passion for • the rich dishes, flowing glasses, and soft couches of epicurism. His system soon became bloated and relaxed; and his ancient foe, the gout, returned, and killed him in a short time. VENEREAL DISEASE. 3M vagina; but in its progress communicating to all the surrounding parts, and producing a variety of painful« sensations. Symptoms. A discharge of mucous, at first white, but soon turning of a yellow or greenish appearance—an acute or scalding pain in making water, with most inde- cent erections of the penis, termed chordee, very pain- ful, and sometimes followed by a discharge of blood.— At times the inflammation spreads to the contiguous parts, occasioning strangury, swelled testicle, sAvelling in the groins similar to buboes, or a contraction and thickening of the fore-skin; which when drawn over the head or nut of the yard, is termed phymosis, and paraphimosis when retracted behind it. When these symptoms dance their attendance to the catastrophe, the clap may be said to flourish in its full blpom, and the patient finds himself fairly seated on the stool of repentance. The appearance of a clap in the female, is pretty much the same as in the male, allowing for the difference of the jparts. ^he disease in them is ahvays milder, inso- much, that at times there is no other symptom but the discharge, Avhich is often mistaken for the fluor albus.— They are, hoAvever, more subject to excoriations of the parts, than the men; and indeed, when the inflammation is considerable, it often extends to the urethra, and oc- casions great pain. Treatment. As the disease is local, topical appli- cations in the form of injections become necessary. The patient should therefore without delay employ one of the injections, (see Recipe 44 & 45,) Avhich in irritable ha- bits, may be a little Aveakened, and the strength gradual- ly increased as the inflammation abates. Indeed, Avhen the inflammation is very considerable, it is better at first, to inject Avith SAveet oil or mucilage of sassafras; (see Materia Medica) and in such cases, the testicles ought to be suspended by a bandage, and the antiphlogistic regimen strictly adhered.to, particularly in taking freely 352 VENEREAL DISEASE. of mucilaginous drinks ; as flaxseed tea, barley water, or the mucilage of gum arabic, and obviating costive- ness, by small and repeated doses of cream of tartar.— Whichsoever of the injections is used, it must be thrown up the urethra six or eight times a day, immediately af- ter making water, and Avith a syringe that Avorks easily, that it may not hurt or inflame the parts. For the chordee, Avhich occurs mostly in the night, give a dose of laudanum at bed time, and rub the guilty member well night and morning, Avith mercurial oint- ment, or the camphorated liniment. Should a hemor- rhage supervene, it Avould be removed by rest, and im- mersing the part often Avith cold vinegar and Avater, or lead water of the ordinary strength, of which the pa- tient may throw a little up. When the inflammatory symptoms of gonorrhoea in- crease to a violent degree, a swelling or inflammation of one or both testicles sometimes supervene. The same consequence is often produced by astringent injections imprudently exhibited. In such cases the general reme- dies! f°r allaying inflammation, as blood-letting, cooling cathartics, diluent drinks with small portions of nitre dissolved in them, become necessary. Besides which, the testicles must be suspended by a bandage, and kept constantly moistened with cloths wrung out of lead Avater, or cold vinegar and water, often reneAved. The swell- ing of the glands in the groins, and of the spermatic chord itself, require a similar treatment; Avhich will al- so succeed in reducing the contraction or thickening of the fore-skin, should that symptom occur. In addition to this general treatment, Avhen the penis is affected, it must be soaked every hour in Avarm milk and water or soap suds, Avhich should often be injected betAveen the skin and the glands, to prevent the stagna- tion of matter, Avhose extreme acrimony might otherwise produce a mortification of the parts. In these affections, a horizontal posture, and spare diet, are particularly en- joined. In case of much pain with little or no fever, an opiate VENEREAL DISEASE. 353 may be given at bed time. And if hardness remain af- ter the pain, the patient should have mercurial oinf ment rubbed on the part, night and morning, and take freely of a strong decoction of sarsaparilla. But if a SAvelling Avithout hardness, follow, one or two vomits, s\icc eded by tonic medicines, with the use of the cold bath, will generally cure. Such are the principal symptoms, Avhich atteo/l go- norrhoea. Its consequences, which induce a ncAv state of disease, after the original affection is removed, are no less important. GLEET. This is known by a constant discharge of mucous mat- ter, after theinfkmmatory symptoms have subsided? oc- casioned by the relaxation of the mucous ghvids, or stricture in the urethra. A discharge of this kind may also be occasioned by hard drinking; violent exercise, or straining. Treatment. The cure of this affection depends on the use of uvaursi see (Materia Medica) or balsam capi- vi, in the dose of fifteen or twenty drops, thrice a day; or tonic medicines, as bark, steel, or columbo, with the cold bath, and a nutritious diet. Besides Avhich, an as- tringent injection, prepared by dissolving twenty or thir- ty grains of alum, in half a pint of water, may be in- jected- up the urethra, twice or thrice a day. If a stric- ture be the cause, the introduction of a bougie, is the only remedy. SEMINAL WEAKNESS, Is another consequence of clap, Avhen there has been frequent returns of it, and is known by an involuntary discharge of the semen. At the beginning of the dis- ease there is a great inclination to erections, and the emission of the semen is attended with pleasure; but gradually the penis becomes lame, tho testicles hang Ioav - 2 x 354* VENEREAL DISEASE. er than usual, and unless they are otherwise suspended, become almost a burden to the possessor. Although veterans in the wars of Venus, are most liable to be complimented with this kind of gleet, yet it may originate from other causes, as self-polluiion, a sudden lift or stra'in, hot glysters, straining to stool, or the imprudent use of strong diuretics. Let the cause, hoAvever, be what it will, there is no drain, which-steals aAvay the quintessence of life and strength more rapidly. Treatment. If the emission takes place on the slightest irritation, as heat, Avine, &c. and is attended with some degree of spasm, it is a sign the patient is in a very rampant state, and can hardly get him a wife too soon. But if it oozes away insensibly, cold bathing, and tonit medicines, as bark, steel, or balsam capivi in the usual doses, Avith a generous diet, are the best re- medies. Costiveness should be carefully avoided, OBSTRUCTION OF URlNE, Is another formidable symptom, which sometimes suc- ceeds gonorrhoea. It is produced by certain changes of the pis sage, from tumors seated high up in the urethra, or contraction of the urinary canal. Treatment. When this affection arises from tu- mors, a cure may be attempted, by the use of the mer- curial pills, (see Recipe 25,) night and morning, and a decoction of sarsaparilla, or mezereon; but it is often in- curable. When spasmodic constriction of the passage is the cause, it will be removed by the Avnrm bath or fomenta- tions. The penis may also be rubbed with camphora- ted oil, (see Recipe 65) or equal parts of aether or lau- danum. If this fail to take off the spasm, bleed, and give laudanum in large doses. POX, • Is the venereal disease in its confirmed state, mani- Avied by chancres, buboes, or Avar's about the genital*. VENEREAL DISEASE. 315 To these succeed ulcers in the throai, nose and tongue, blotches on various parts of the body, Avith nocturnal pains, especially in the skin, bones, and shoulders. The system is now filled Avith the horrid poison, Avhich, unless mercifully arrested, will soon ulcerate the eyes, consume the nose, contract the body, and convert the loveliest form, into such a mass of corruption, such a dunghill of stench, such a picture of ghastliness, as is sufficient to strike the guilty person with terror. A pallid youth, beneath a shade, A melancholy scene display'd; His mangled face, and loathsome stains, Proclaimed the poison in his veins; He raised his eyes, he smote his breast, He wept aloud, and thus addressed: u Forbear the harlot's false embrace, Though lewdness wear an Angel's face : JBe wise by my experience taught; I die, alas ! for want of thought." Cotton. ELEGY. " Weep o'er the miseries of a Avretched maid, Who sacrificed to man her health and fame; Whose love, and truth, and trust, were all repaid, By Avant and woe, disease and endless shame. Curse not the poor lost wretch, who ev'ry ill That proud unfeeling man can heap, sustains; Sure she enough is curst, o'er whom his will Inflam'd by brutal passion, boundless reigns, 35Q - VENEREAL DISEASE. ' Spurn not my fainting body from your door, Here let me rest my weary weeping head; No greater mercy Avould my wants implore; My soitoavs soon shall lay me with the dead: Who now beholds, but loaths my faded face, So wan and salloAV, chang'd with sin and care? Or who can any former beauty trace, In eyes so sunk with famine and dispair? That I Avas virtuous once, and beauteous too, And free from envious tongues my spotless fame: These but torment, these but my tears renew, These aggravate my present guilt and shame. Where were my virgin honours, virgin charms? Oh ! whither fled the pride I once maintained ? Or Avhere the youths' that woo'd me to their arms? Or where the triumphs, Avhich my beauty gain'd? Ah ! say, insidious Damon! Monster ! Avhere ? What glory hast thou gain'd by my defeat ? Behold the miseries I am doom'd to bear, Such as have brought me to my Avinding sheet." Treatment. Happily for mankind, the Governor of the world, is " a father who pitieth his children'' and afilHs them, not to kill, but to cure. In mercy he has appointed a medicine for this dreadful malady. Amedi- rii o; which, Avhen taken in sufficient quantity, quickly flies to all p.-Ka of the system, attacks the disease at every post, drives it from gland to gland, and with a fi- delity and courage truly admirable, never gives it rest until it har; completely expelled it from the body, and re- stored the patient to former health and vigour. This VENEREAL DISEASE. 357 wonderful medicine is mercury, Avhich requires only to be so managed as to obtain full possession of the system; not exceeding it by ^Jlvation, nor falling short of it by uo!h••. ly purging. To iiit this desirable point, let one of the mercurial pills (see Recipe 25,) be given night and morning, uniiJ the «?yst-in is fully charged with the medicine, w^ich m.'y be known by a slight soreness of the mouth and gum?,, ana fcetid breath. This fortunate state of things, carefully supported a few weeks, will re- move the disease. If the mercury affeas the bowels, lessen the dose, or give it at longer intervals, or use the mercurial ointment; and if th'rrc is an increased secretion of the salivary gb.uds, Ave should omit the mere uy for a feAV days, and take a tea-spoonful of flour of sulohur, in a glass of milk or flaxseed tea, night and morning. In this way the disease may generally be cured in a short time. It will always be prudent, to continue the mercury in small doses for ten or twelve days after the total disappearance of all the symptoms. There are cases, however, where mercury will not ansAver: as in scrophulous habits, and when the blood is vitini >d. In these, the nitric acid should be prefer- red, and from one to tAvo drachms of it, diluted, (see Recipe 16.)-may be taken in the day. This medicine seems especially adapted to cases where the habit of bo- dy is much debilitated, from the long continuance of the disease, or where it has acquired great irritability from an incautious use of mercury. It is also a sovereign cure of spongy gums, eruptions, ulcers, nocturnal pains, and all the train of consequences, usually attendant on this disease, when of long standing and imperfectly cured. In the treatment, therefore, of venereal patients, too much attention cannot be paid to mark the peculiarities of habit, and we should ahvays remember, that, when unfavourable appearances supervene from the use of mercury, other medicines, as the nitric acid, or tar wa- ter, (see Recipe 16 & 32) or decoctions of prickly ash, mezereon, lobelia, sarsaparilla, shumach, or poke bounce. (See Materia Medica.) 358 VENEREAL DISEASE. In this disease, there are certain symptoms Avhich re- quire local treatment. Thus, a chancre, which is a small red pimple, terminating in ulcer, with hard edges, and generally situated on some part of the prepuce of the fore-skin of the penis, is best removed by the applica- tion of caustic; or, if recent, washing Avith spirits or brandy, or a solution of kali, (see Recipe 30,) and ap- plying dry lint to the sore, with cleanliness, will gene- rally prove sufficient. When a bubo supervenes, which is known by pain and swelling in the groin, every attempt should be made to disperse it by rubbing in mercurial ointment on the inside of the thigh or calf of the leg; and the applica- tion of cloths wrung out of lead water to the swelling, renewed, as often as they become Avarm. Besides Avhich, the patient should be kept still, the bowels open, and the pain alleviated by the use of opi- ates at bed time. When a tendency to suppuration is discovered, in- stead of the former plan, Avarm poultices of flaxseed, milk and bread, or mush and fat, must be applied and renewed three or four times a day, until the tumor breaks. After Avhich, one or two poultices may be con- tinued, to accelerate the discharge of matter, for a day or two, Avhen the sore must be kept clean with soap- suds, and dressed night and morning Avith basilicon, spread on lint, until the matter is mostly discharged.— The sore should then be dressed Avith lint dipt in a so- " lutionof kali, (see Recipe 30) once or twice in twenty-four hours, as may be indicated by the discharge of matter; and lastly, when there is no appearance of proud flesh, it may • be healed with Turner's cerate, or any healing ointment. Warts are a frequent affection of the penis, and some- times remain after the venereal virus is expelled. In which case they may be removed by ligatures, or the ap- plication of caustic. Regimen. There is hardly any thing of more im- portance in the cure of this disease, than a proper regi- men. Inattention to this, not only procrastinates the SCURVY. 359 cure, but often endangers the patient's life. , In full ha- bits, the diet should always be light and cooling. Exer- cise should never be carried to excess, and the patient should Avear flannel on using any preparation of mercury. Cleanliness is of too much importance ever to be neglect- ed. As «oon as the disease makes its appearance, the infected part should be frequently washed in milk and water, or soap-suds; and if from a neglect of cleanliness, venereal ulcers appear, the sores must be well cleansed, and dressed Avith dry lint, night and morning. In ob- stiiute cases the lint should be dipt in the solution of kali. When the patient is in delicate health, or much re- duced, a nourishing diet, Avith wine, bark, and other to- nic medicines are proper, Avith pure country air. Prevention. After a suspicious connection, it be- comes a prudent man to discharge his urine, as stxm as possih;r, and wash Avell his polluted member, by draw- in'." for a«. a "d the foreskin, and closing the end with his fii °;rr, that it may be distended, and retain for a feAV seconds the urine. The glands and penis' should then be Avell washed with strong soap-suds or grog. In Avomen, besides cleansing the external parts, some portion of the wash should be injected up the vagina, by means of a female syringe. . # SCURVY. Symptoms. An unusually Aveakened state of the bo- dy—pale and bloated countenance—the breathing af- fected on the slightest exertion—the gums soft, swollen, and inclined to bleed on being rubbed, and sometimes putrid ulcers are formed—the teeth become loose—the breath foetid—and the urine high coloured. The heart is subject to palpitation—the lower extremities to drop- sical swellings—(he body to pains of a pleuritic orrheu- \)\;\{\c kind—besides Avhich, blotches and ulcers break oot in different parts of the skin, and often terminate in mortification. 360 SCURVY. Causes. Cold moist air—vitiated or scanty diet—an indolent life, with luxurious iidulgencies—corrupted water or provisions—and whatever may Aveaken the body, or vitiate the humours. Treatment. Raw and fresh vegetables of every description, particularly those of an acid kind; and fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, sorrel, &c. (see Materia Medica,) furnish the most effectual remedies. But as these are not at all times to be obt-ined, common vinegar, or ni- trous vinegar, used freely, will completely ansAver the end. The nitrous vinegar is prepared by dissolving three or four ounces of nitre or sai petre, in one quart of good vinegar; and of this solution, one to two spoon- fuls may be taken three or four times a day, according to the advanced stage of the disease; and as frequently some of it may be used in bathing the limbs, where they are either stiffened, swelled, blotched, or ulcerated. So- da Avater, or nitric acid (see Recipe 16,) will be found a useful auxiliary, when the disease is inveterate. The belly most frequently Avill be kept open by this medicine, and Avhen it is not, the exhibition of cream of tartar, or tamarinds, va ill be highly beneficial. When the gums are enlarged, ulcerated and foetid, the mouth should be frequently Avashed Avith a decoction of bark, in which a little alum is dissolved, and the gums rub- hed with a poAvder composed of equal parts of finely pulverized charcoal and bark, and Avith which the scor- butic ulcers may be dressed morning and night. These ulcers may be knoAvn by their soft and spongy edges. Regimen. So uncommonly salutary are vegetables in this disease, that whenever they can be had fresh, they should, Avitli ripe fruits and milk, constitute the better part of diet for scorbutic patients. When these articles cannot be procured, a mild, nourishing diet, with wine, cider and porter, is most proper. As nothing is of more importance to the scorbutic, than breathing pure fresh air, it should at all times be well supplied. Seamen, therefore, affected with it, ought constantly to keep on deck in fair weather. ERUPTIONS of the skin. 361 ERUPTIONS OF THE SKIN. There subsists so intimate a relation between the in- ternal and external parts of Our body, that no disorder scarcely takes place within, that does not show itself ul- timately on the surface. Diseases ofthe skin, are therefore very numerous, and as they most commonly arise from a constitutional cause, should be treated by general remedies. Local applications, particularly quack remedies, which are composed of mineral poisons, by repelling the vitiated humours to the brain, lungs or bowels, have often produced fatal consequences. Persons of relaxed habits, especially females, are subject to an eruption, attended with redness and sore- ness of the skin, forming large spots on the face and neck. This is certainly the mark of a constitutional de- bility and can only be removed by tonics, as the bark, bitters, solution %f arsenic, nitric acid, &c. and exer- cise. Attention should also be paid to a frequent change of linen, and the skin occasionally dusted with starch. There are eruptions in the face of persons of appa- rent health, called grog blossoms, which are the con- sequences of an inflamed liver, from a too free use of wine and spirits, and high living. An attempt to remove these pimples by external means would not only be fruitless, but highly danger- ous. Their cure can only be effected by gradually cor- recting the habit of intemperance, both in eating and drinking. The primary affection must be first relieved. This is to be done by taking every night from half a grain to one grain of opium, combined with two grains of calo- mel. After using this medicine for some time, or until the mouth is affected by salivation, the solution of ar- senic (see Recipe 27) in the usual dose, twice a day, for a week or two will eomplete the cure. 2y SGS ERUPTIONS OF THE SKIN. Scaly affections of the skin, or clusters of small pim- ples over the body, usually occur in some habits, spring and fall, which will generally yield to sassafras tea, or cream of tartar and sulphur, in doses of a tea-spoonful, night and morning. Should, this fail, the decoction of sarsaparilla, and one of the mercurial pills night and morning, for a week or tAvo, and afterwards the solution of arsenic, will always succeed. The prickly heat, is an eruption Avhich is sometimes very troublesome ; but commonly disappears on keeping moderately cool, and avoiding warm drinks. When this is not sufficient, and the itching is severe, the ca- thartic mixture (see Recipe 11,) taken two or three times a week, and the external application of elixir vi- triol, diluted in Avater, will prove a good remedy. The nettle rash, so called from its resemblance to eruptions made by the stinging of nettles, is sometimes attended with intolerable itching. When many of the eruptions run together, the part seems swelled, forming tumors, such as appear after being struck Avith the lash of a whip, and betwixt them, the skin is inflamed and very red. The elevations appear suddenly, but seldom continue long, and are apt to disappear from one part of the body and appear again in another. The itching is the greatest inconvenience, as it some- times prevents the patient from sleeping, but the disease is not dangerous. With respect to the cure, observing a cooling regimen and a laxative state of the bowels, is generally sufficient; but if fever supervenes, it will be proper to bleed and give the antimonial solution (see Recipe 6,) in small doses, to determine the fluids to the surface. When the disease is of a chronic nature, and often returns, twenty drops of elixir vitriol, taken thrice a day, in a cup of camomile or centaury tea, or infusion of columbo, should be directed. To allay the itching, a solution of borax in vinegar, a half ounce of the former to a half pint of the latter, at fords a good wash. ITCH—TETTER, OR RING-WORM. 363 ITCH. The itch consists of small Avatery pimples of a con- tagious nature, Avhich first appear betAveen the fingers, and on the wrists ; but in process of time spreading over the whole body, except the face ; attended Avith a great decree of itchiness, especially after being heated by ex- ercise, or Avhen warm in bed. In the cure of this disease, sulphur used internally and externally, is considered as a certain specific. A tea- spoonful of the flour of sulphur taken in milk or spirit and Avater, thrice a day, and some of it rubbed on the inside of the arms and legs at bed time, either dry, or in the form of unction, Avill soon effect a cure. Where the sulphur is disliked, the mercurial ointment, may be rub- bed in every night, about the size of a nutmeg, until the eruption entirely disappears. The itch lotion (see Recipe 43) will also be found an effectual remedy for this complaint, by av ashing the parts affected with it two or three times a day. The internal exhibition of sul- phur ' alone, or combined with cream of tartar, should always precede or accompany the external applications. Dock root, tobacco, and Virginia snake root, (see Ma- teria Medica) have sometimes cured Avhen the above remedies failed. TETTER, OR RING-WORM, Is an eruption that attacks various parts of the skin, in a circle, with an inflamed basis, which gradually spreads, forming an extensive excoriation sometimes moist, at other times dry; and is attended Avith smarting and itching, succeeded by scurfy, scales. Treatment. If the habit of body be not faulty, ex- ternal applications alone, are often sufficient to remove this affection. The saturated solution of borax, with vinegar or le- 364 TINEA, OR SCALD HEAD. mon juice, one drachm to two ounces, is an excellent remedy, without producing the least pain on its applica- tion. The itch lotion, when prepared with double it* strength, is also equally good. Covering the eruption daify with ink, or the juice of black Avalnut, (see Mate- ria Medica,) has often effected a cure. Where -the disease is inveterate, internal medicines must be exhibited and continued for some time ; such as limewater, flour of sulphur, the mercurial pills, or which is preferable to all of them in obstinate cases, the solution of arsenic. (See Recipe 2y.) TINEA, OR SCALD HEAD. Symptoms. This disease consists of little ulcers at the roots of the hair, which discharge a humour that dries into a white scab, or thick scales, and has an offensive smell. Tt is not only a very troublesome complaint, but contagious, and when united Avith a scrofulous constitu- tion, found extremely difficult to be cured. Treatment, When it is merely a complaint of the skin, it may be successfully treated with topical appli- cations. In the beginning of the affection, washing the sores well night and morning with strong soap-suds, or a decoction of tobacco, or by applying an ointment, made with jimson-Aveed, or pride of China, (see Mate- ria Medica,) will frequently effect a cure. But if the disorder prove obstinate, the head ought to be shaAred, and after being well washed with soap-suds, covered with tar and suet, spread on a bladder. My very in- genious friend Doctor Chapman, has assured me, Avhen every other application failed in removing this disease, he ahvays succeeded, Iw having the affected parts wash- ed with this lotion* tAVfce a day. But in cases where topical applications are resisted, medicine should be given internally, as limewater, flour of sulphur, or calomel, according to circumstances ; and * Take liver of sulphur, three drachms—Spanish soap, one drachm—lime \yater, eight ounces—rectified spirits of wine, two drachms, mix. SCROFULA, OR KING'S EVIL. 365 to hasten the cure, the course of the fluids may, in the mean time, be in part diverted from the head, by blister* or sinapisms. SCROFULA, OR KINO'S EVIL. This disease is most frequent among the children of the poor, and negroes, who are ill fed, ill lodged and ill clothed; it is also hereditary, but never contagious. It most commonly occurs in children from the third, to the seventh'year; frequently, however, it discovers itself at a later period in habits peculiarly disposed to it. Symptoms. Is known by indolent hard tumors of the lymphatic glands, particularly those of the neck, be* hind the ears, or under the chin. The upper lip, and division of the nostrils are swelled, Avith a smooth skin, and hard belly. In the progress of the disease, these tumors degenerate into ulcers of bad digestion; the dis- charge of which consists of a white curdled matter, re- sembling somewhat the coagulum of milk; and preAdous to their breaking, they acquire a sort of purple redness, and a softness to the touch. Treatment. As soon as these tumors are first dis- covered, endeavour to disperse them by sea bathing, of bathing in salt and water, one pound to three gallons of Avater, or cold water alone, or by frequent application of lead Avater. Warm fomentations and poultices of every kind, do harm, as they seem only to hurry on a suppuration, which, if possible should be prevented.— A large draught of sea water every morning will be found a useful drink, Peruvian bark and steel used alternately every two Aveeks, will be of infinite service by giving tone to the system. The remedy, however, most to be depended upon in this disease, is the muriat of lime, given in doses of ten to eighty drops, gradually increased three or four times a day, diluted with water or tea. When a suppuration takes place, the solution of arsenic should be given tAvice or thrice a day. The 366 JAUNDICE. best application to scrofulous ulcers, is a powder com- posed of one pound of finely powdered bark, md ore ounce of white lead in fine powder, mixed well together; or a fine powder of calamine-stone alone, and the ulcers covered with it daily, keeping it on by brown paper and a bandage. Where these are not to be obtained, the constant application of linen rags moistened Avith a so- lution of one ounce of sugar of lead, in a pint of Avater, may answer every purpose. With respect to the diet, it should be nourishing and easily digestible, avoiding all viscid food. Moderate exercise in a dry warm air is exceedingly beneficial. JAUNDICE. Symptoms. YelloAvncss of the skin, but chiefly of the eyes, the urine also yelloAv—inactivity—anxiety and uneasiness at the pit of the stomach. Causes. Whatever obstructs the passage of the bile, through its natural channel. Treatment. The indications of cure are, to remoA-e the obstructions, which, as it originates from different causes, w ill require different modes of treatment. As vicid biles is the most common cause of this com- plaint, in full habits, and Avhere there are any feverish symptoms, begin the cure Avith bleeding, afterwards give an emetic, and then a day after a dose of calomel and jalap, Avhich should be often repeated if necessary..— Common soap in large quantities has been exhibited with much success in this case, but as this is disagreea- ble to take, the salt of tartar, which has the same ad- vantage, or soda, may be taken in doses of tAventy or thirty grains, three or four times a day, dissolved in the infusion of columbo. If there be any acute pain in the region of the liver, with a quickness of the pulse, bleed more freely, give one of the mercurial pilis, (see Recipe 25.) night and morning, until a ptyalism is produced, use the Avarm AVIIITE SAVELLING. 367 bath, and apply a blister over the pained part. In cases of much pain, three or four table-spoonfuls of olive oil should be swalloAved, and if .it do not succeed in quiet- ing the pain, one or tAvo tea-spoonfuls of aether, or thir- ty drops of laudanum must be given. The warm bath, or bags of hot salt applied to the right side, are like- Avise beneficial. After the obstruction is removed, the tonic powders or pills, (see Recipe 4 & 23,) or dog- Avood, or cherry-tree bark, (see Materia Medica,) are necessary to restore the tone of the system. Regimen. The diet ought to be regulated according to the constitution of the patient. In plethoric or fever- ish habits, the diet should be low, and in cases of ex- cessive debility it should be of the most nourishing kind. Ve^.'--tables, by creating flatulency and acidity, are to be avoided. Mucilaginous drinks are peculiarly proper; and in many instances, sucking a new laid egg every mining, on an empty stomach, has succeeded in curing this disease, when all other means failed. WHITE SWELLING, Is distinguished by an acute pain, without any exter- nal inflammation, of a joint, attended with a gradual in- crease of its size. Though all the joints are occasion- ally subject to it, yet its most usual seat is in the knee. White sAvellings are generally of a scrofulous nature, but sometimes they are produced by rheumatic affec- tions, and sometimes follow strains that have been ne- glected, or badly treated. Treatment. As soon as an affection of this kind is discovered, the patient should remain in bed, and the limb kept perfectly at rest; without wliich, remedies cannot produce any good effect. The great object, is to prevent the formation of mat- ter, by the immediate application of leeches, or scarifi- cations to the part affected, and by wliich, eight or ten ounces of blood may betaken away, every other day, or 368 v sea-sickness. oftener, according to circumstances. The whole joint should then be kept continually wet and cold with the solution of crude sal ammoniac, (see Recipe 28) by means of four or five folds of old linen. After the local affec- tion is somewhat abated, frictions with the volatile lini- ment, or a mixture of soft soap and spirits of camphor; to which may be added some tincture of cantharides, will have a good effect. With one or other of these li- niments, the joint is to be rubbed well twice a day, and afterwards covered with a piece of flannel that has been soaked in the same. If this should not produce good effects, the part must be rubbed night and morning with mercurial ointment, in the quantity of two drachms at a time, and continued until the mouth is gently affected.— The cure may then be completed by small blisters on each side of the joint, which should be kept running for a length of time. If the disease in spite of those remedies continue to advance, emollient poultices must be applied often, un- til various abscesses appear, and these should be opened as soon as they seem to point, and afterwards to be treat- ed as ulcers. In cases where the Avhite swelling is evidently scrofu- lous, tonic medicines, as bark, steel, &c. and a nourish- ing diet, to correct the constitutional affection, with sti- mulating applications to the joint, form the best reme- dies. SEA-SICKNESS. Symptoms. A most unpleasant giddiness, with great nausea and vomiting, occasioned by the motion of'the vessel."The duration of this complaint is very uncertain. Generally it lasts but a day or two, but in some cases it will continue the Avhole voyage. Treatment. Though time, perhaps, is the only cure, yet it will be greatly alleviated by keeping the boAvels open. A tea-spooful of aether in a glass of wa- ter, relieves the convulsive affection of the stomach.— intoxication. 3f>9 High-seasoned food and acidulated drinks are peculiar- ly proper. But nothing will be found more serviceable than exercise, cheerfulness, and fresh air. Persona should, therefore, never go below; but romp on the decks, cut capers in the shrouds, and divert their minds and move their bodies, as much as possible, INTOXICATION. Symptoms. Like every other kind of phrensy, it comes on with a burning redness of the cheeks—a swell- ing of the jugular veins—and a fiery wildnessof the eyes. The tongue is considerably affected, but very differently in different stages of the disease. At first, only glib and voluble—then loud, and louder still—at length noisy and excessively disagreeable. The patient now is quite on his top-ropes, and nothing goes down with him, but the most ranting songs, roaring laughs, ripping oaths, and bluntest contradictions, accompanied with loud thumping of the fist on the, table, especially if politics be the topic of conversation. There is no complaint that affects patients so differently—some it makes so ri- diculously loving, as to hug and kiss one another— others it kindles into such rage and fury, that they will frequently throw the bottles' and glasses at the heads of their best friends. And indeed, so wonderful is its in- fluence, that it is no uncommon thing with it, to inspire cowards with courage, to teach truth to liars—and to make persons naturally reserved, loquacious and even boisterous. The memory now partakes of the general infirmity, being hardly able to connect the parts of a story begun. The tongue at length, as if about to lose its powers, be- gins to trip—then to stammer—and at last the utterance dies away generally in some idle half-finished threat or oath. Hiccups noAv ensue, with a silly grin of the mouth, which continues half open, from the falling of the low- er jaw. The face puts on an air of great stupidity—the eyes turn heavy and sleepy, and the patient begins im 2 z 370 TO RECOVER DROWNED PERSONS. nod, with his head bending forward; until, becoming too heavy, he sinks under the table, and not unfrequent- ly, after a filthy vomiting, falls asleep among the dogs and cats. Treatment. In a fit of drunkeness, the patient should instantly be placed in an airy situation, the head and shoulders kept erect, and the neck-cloth and collar of the shirt unbound, and copiously bled, if his situation seems alarming. The next step is to provoke vomit- ing, by the most expeditious means, such as tickling the throat with a feather or the finger. Cold applica- tions to the head, as cloths wrung out of cold water, or vinegar and water, often renewed, will have the hap- piest effect: so Avill plunging the body into cold water; for many instances have occurred of personsh aving fall- en overboard in a drunken fit, and having been pick- ed up sober. Therefore, it will be found an admirable mode of so- bering those vagabonds who, as a nuisance, infest the streets of every city, to take them to the nearest pump, and there deluge them witli cold water. This Avill not only bring them to their senses, but send them off, un- der that sense of shame, which ever folloAVS the commis- sion of a crime so truly ignominious. TO RECOVER PERSONS APPARENTLY DROWNED. As soon as the body is taken out of the water, it should instantly be rubbed dry, and wrapped in warm blankets; unless the cooling process should be first ne- cessary, in consequence of the patient-being in a half frozen state. For, in that case, the body ought to be rubbed with snow, or flannels wrung out of cold water or vinegar, before any degree of artificial warmth is ap- plied. After Avhich the patient is to be placed on a bed or mattress, with the head elevated, and air is then instant- ly to be blown into the lungs, by inserting the pipe of TO RECOVER PERSONS APPARENTLY DEAD. 4*71 a pair of bellows into one nostril, or for want of that ar- ticle, a tobacco pipe, a quill, or eAren a card folded in the form of a tube ; Avhile the mouth and opposite nos- tril are closed by an assistant, or covered with some wet paper. By thus forcing air into the lungs, and alternate- ly expelling it, by pressing the chest, respiration may" happily be restored. Volatile salts, or vinegar, should also frequently be applied to the nostrils. ~Next the intestines are to be stimulated by injec- tions* of Avarm spirits and water, or mulled wine. While using the internal stimulants, a bladder of warm water should be applied to the region of the stomach, and the legs and arms briskly rubbed with a warm hand, or with flannel, extending the friction gradually to the thighs, belly, and chest. At that critical period, Avhen sneezing, slight tAvitch- ings or gasping, mark the first dawn of returning life, it Avill be prudent to moderate the stimulating powers. When respiration and the poAver of swalloAving are re- stored, the patient should be kept moderately warm, and gentle perspiration encouraged by Avarm drinks. Should feverish symptoms ensue, moderate bleeding, together with mild laxatives and cooling regimen, will complete the cure. TO RECOVER PERSONS APPARENTLY KILLED BY LIGHTNING OR NOXIOUS VAPOURS. Treatment. Instantly throw cold Avater, Avith some force, in large quantities on the face and head, which should be often repeated for some time, and if conveni- ent the Avhole body may be plunged into cold water, and afterwards Aviped dry, and warmth gradually appli- ed. If the body and extremities feel cold, instead of the application of cold water, the warm bath about the temperature of the blood, should be prepared as soon as possible, and the patient immersed In it for twenty or thirty minutes, using frictions at the same time Avith the »7« rfisoNs. hand. As soon as the patient is taken out of the bath, his skin must be wiped dry, and wrapped up in warm flannel, and gentle stimulants employed to produce a reaction. When by these means the circulation of the blood is increased, and the extremities become warm, bleeding will be proper, and must be often repeated, if the pa- tient have fever, or complain of pain. Besides which, evacuations must be procured by purgative medicines and glysters, and the antiphlogistic plan in every res- pect strictly pursued, until the febrile symptoms abate. After which tonic medicines with wine, in case of debi- lity, are of infinite service. POISONS. Treatment. The cure of poisons swallowed, whether vegetable or mineral, requires either an imme- diate evacuation, or a counteraction of their effects.— Therefore, as soon as possible, throAv in an emetic, quicken its operation, as blue or white vitriol in a dose, from ten to thirty grains, repeated in fifteen minutes, if necessary, and assisted by copious draughts of Avarm wa- ter. To remove the stupefaction, Avhich generally ensues after an imprudent dose of opium, acids of the vegetable class, as lime juice, or vinegar diluted with water, ought to be exhibited freely. But if the patient lay in a deadly stupor, with cold extremities, the warm stimula- ting plan must fii*st be adopted. Sinapisms or blisters ought instantly to be applied to the extremities; or as a more effeptual remedy to produce reaction in the system, the legs and arms should be whipped well Avith rods, and the soles of the feet seared with a red Jjot iron. When mineral poisons are taken, if a vomiting does not follow, attempt the expulsion by a quick emetic as above described, and let it be worked off with warm wa- ter, adding to each draught, tAventy or thirty grains of salt of tartar; wliich medicine should be continued un- bites of venomous animals. 37$ til the cure is completed. The exhibition of sweet oil* milk, and mucilaginous drinks, in large quantities, do good by obtunding the acrimony of the poison, and must not be omitted. The same method should be pursued, whether arsenic, corrosive sublimate,* sugar of lead, tar- tar emetic, or any metallic salt has been taken; and un- less the remedies are quickly resorted to, death inevita- bly Avill take place. If in consequence of the effects of poison, fever super- venes, the antiphlogistic treatment as recommended in inflammatory complaints, must be pursued. BITES OF MUSQUITOES. Musquito bites are often degenerated into painful acrid ulcers, particularly on the legs, in consequenceof scratching them. It is therefore proper, where these in- sects are troublesome, to wear loose linen buskins to guard the legs in the evening ; and when this has been neglected, apply oil, vinegar, lime juice, or camphora- ted spirits to the part, to allay the itching and tingling occasioned by tlieir bites. BITES OF VENOMOUS ANIMALS. Treatment. The bites of all venomous animals are cured by the same, means, which are very simple, if the remedies were always at hand. The caustic vola- tile alkali, or eau de luce, is a certain antidote against the bites or stings of the most venomous serpents or spiders. Lint Avetted with either of these should in- stantly be applied to the injured part, and reneAved as it becomes dry. A tea-spoonful of the same medicine must also be given to the patient in a little water, every hour or oftener, as may be indicated by the symptoms. Lunar caustic possesses the same admirable virtue, * It has recently been discovered by an eminent Spanish physician, that the whites of eggs diluted with water, is an antidote against corrosive sublimate; and that common lump sugar is an antidote against verdigrise 374 HYDROPHOBIA. and should aiAvays be employed, when the other medi- cines are not at hand. The best mode of using it, is to dissolve five or six grains of the caustic in two or three ounces of Avater, and keep the affected parts moistened with it, as above directed. Some of the same ought al- so to be given internally, only in a more diluted state. When these remedies cannot be procured, a cataplasm made of quick lime and soap, should be applied to the bitten part, and as much cayenne, or red pepper, mix- ed in spirits swalloAved every hour or two, as the sto- mach can possibly bear. The juice of plantain and hore-hound, in doses of a table-spoonful every hour or two, is considered a good remedy against the bites of venomous serpents, as is also squirril ear. (see Materia Medica.) As soon as a person is bitten by a poisonous animal, k tight ligature should be made above the injured part, until suitable remedies can be employed. When the toe or finger is bitten, cutting it off immediately will pre- vent mischief from the poison. It is also a fact that sucking the wound immediately after being bitten, will arrest the progress of the poison. This was lately verified in the neighbourhood of Au- gusta, in the case of a youth who Avas bitten by a rattle snake, and the wound being instantly sucked by a man present, prevented its mischievous effects; nor did any injury result to the operator. When this remedy is resorted to, it may be prudent for the operator to guard his mouth Avith SAveet oil or milk, and not SAvalloAV the saliva. It should never be attempted by a person with a sore mouth or very bad teeth. HYDROPHOBIA, OR, THE BITE OF A MAD DOG. This disease is so dreadfully alarming at all times, that we ought, as the best means of security, to endeavour to prevent it. guinea worm. 8J5 Therefore, as the infection of a rabid animal, is con- veyed by his teeth into the wound, the sooner it is remov- ed, the less chance is there for absorption. Consequent- ly, the bitten part should immediately be Avashed, and av here it can, be cut out, or burnt with a hot iron, deeper and more extensive, than the wound itself. Af- ter which, the wound should be filled with mercurial ointment, und kept open for some time. In addition to this treatment we should diligently em- ploy mercury, both internally and externally, to exit^ a salivation. When the disease is once begun, large bleedings with purgative medicines, must be resorted to, and frequent- ly repeated. Sweet oil has been highly recommended for this malady, in very large quantities. Opium, in such doses as are given in tetany, has also been said to produce beneficial effects. It is probable, the caustic volatile alkali, might prove an antidote against the poison of a rabid animal, as that of the most venomous serpents. Chick-Aveed and emetic-weed, (see Materia Medica,) is considered by some, a remedy in this dreadful disease. GUINEA WORM. This disease is frequent among the new negroes, and is pretty uniform in its appearance. The patient is at first sensible of an itching; and, on examining the part, a small blister is generally to be traced. Frequently tAvo or three of these blisters man- ifest themselves; and at times the part has the appear- ance of being stung with nettles. Beneath these blis- ters, or other affections, on raising the skin, there ap- pears a small piece of mucus, on removing which, the head of a worm is to be seen. It is generally firmly fixed, and requires force to detach it from the parts be- neath. When once separated Avith the forceps, it can be twisted round a ligature, or a piece of lint, and by this means a portion of it, a foot or tAvo in length, may be extracted in the course of one day. 376 swallowing of pins—chilblains. In its appearance, it resembles what is called bobbin, or small tape, and is of the same size. It is transparent and moist, and appears to contain something like a Avhite liquid. As much of it as will come aAvay without pull- ing, is daily to be extracted. It is always dangerous to use force, on account of the risk of breaking the Avorm. When this accident happens, it occasions the most acute pain, accompanied with swelling and inflammation of the neighbouring parts; and these symptoms Avill often continue for two or three weeks. In this case the worm also takes a different course, and soon throws itself in another part. SWALLOWING OF PINS. Pins and other hard and sharp pointed substances, sometimes pass into the gullet, and even into the sto- mach. It is too prevalent a practice, when any sub- stance of this kind has passed into the stomach, to en- deavour to hasten its passage through the bowels, ,by giving some opening medicine. Milk alone, or mixed with raw eggs, should be im- mediately taken, as by the coagulation which takes place, the substance may become so involved, as to pre- vent its doing injury to the stomach; and on the same principle should opening medicines, which render the fceces thin, be avoided; as by allowing the fceces to obtain some firmness, there will be the greater proba- bility of the pointed parts of the substance being so sheathed, as to prevent their injuring the intestines. CHILBLAINS. Symptoms. Are inflammatory swellings, chiefly af- fecting the heels, feet, and toes, and sometimes the arms and hands, attended with great pain and degree of itch- ing. Causes. This disease is owing to a Weaker action of the small vessels, most remote from the heart, occa- SCALDS AND BURNS. 377 sioned by cold or dampness, and occurs most frequently among children and people of delicate constitutions. Treatment. Where the parts are frost bitten by long exposure to the cold, they should be plunged into the coldest water, and afterwards rubbed with salt.— When they are only benumbed, they may be rubbed with strong brine, or spirit of camphor, or opodeldoc, (see Recipe 62 & 63,) to which a little laudanum may be added, if the pain or itching be very troublesome; but when they crack and discharge an acrid mattoi', poultices should be applied, but not for any length of time, as their continuance is apt to produce fungous ex- crescences. The application of diachylon plaster to the part, if the exciting cause be avoided, will afterwards effect a cure. SCALDS AND BURNS. The leading indication in affections of this kind, is to abate the pain; and this is affected by whatever induces insensibility of the part; as plunging it suddenly into cold water, covering it with ice or snow, or applying soft soap, brandy, laudanum, aether, or spirits of tur- pentine. Of these remedies, the spirits of turpentine deserves the preference, especially where the skin is de- tached. A liniment prepared of basilicon ointment and spirits of turpentine, and applied tAvice a day to burns, Avhen there is a loss of substance, alleviates the pain like a charm, and brings the sore to suppuration in a few days, which may afterwards be healed, by a lini- ment composed of equal parts of linseed oil and limc- Avater, or by the application of the simple saturnine ointment, or Turners cerate, (see Recipe 67,68 & 71?) or Avhat is preferable, an ointment made Avith the thorn ap- ple. (See Materia Medica.) The application of cotton to a burn or scald, admirably alleviates the pain. Blisters, which occur from burns, should be opened as soon as the irritation induced has subsided; and in or- der to prevent any bad effects from the admission of air, 3 A 378 HERNIA, OR RUPTURES. small punctures ought to be made in preference to inci- sions. The constitutional treatment of burns must be regu- lated by the degree of inflammation and pain. When the former is considerable, and affects the system at large, bleeding, mild laxatives, and other remedies suit- ed to inflammation in general, becomes necessary ; and in the latter, where the pain is violent, laudanum ought to be given in pretty large doses. When the patient is of a debilitated habit, Avine and bark, will be of infinite service; and when the sores do not heal kindly, astringent washes are necessary, as re- commended for indolent ulcers. HERNLE, OR RUPTURES, The term rupture Avas adopted when it Avas supposed that the disease was always the consequence of a rup- ture of some of the parts, which form the cavity of the abdomen or belly. But anatomical examination has shown, that this disease, as it most commonly appears, takes place in consequence of the protrusion of some of the contents of the abdomen, through openings, wliich are natural to the human body, and Avithout any violent separation of the parts. It will not be necessary to de- scribe particularly, the several kinds of ruptures which may occur. It will be sufficient to observe, that ruptures will generally appear in the groin, in the upper and fore part of the thigh, and at the navel. Those which ap- pear, at first, just above the groin, Avill, in general, if neglected, soon descend into the scrotum, in men, and inio the labia pudendi, of women. The tumor, in this disease, is most commonly formed by a part of the in- testinal canal, or of the omentum or caul, or of both. In those ruptures which are capable of easy reduction, as soon as a pressure is properly made, the protruded intestine generally slips up, all at once, with a kind of guggling noise, and the tumor immediately subsides; where the tumor has chiefly been formed by omentum, that passes up more slowly, and without that particular noise which accompanies the return of the intestine, HERNIA, OR RUPTURES. 379 In those cases of rupture, where stricture has taken place on the protruded parts, and the reduction is there- by rendered difficult, the belly becomes tense and pain- ful, the pain of the belly, as Avell as of the tumor itself, being much increased on the least exertion; a total stoppage of discharge by stool takes place, and the pa- tient is distressed by a sickness at the stomach, Avhich increases, until there is almost constant retching and vo- miting. s To prevent these evils, it is only necessary, that such a pressure be kept on the opening, through which the part protruded, as may prevent its again falling out: the pressure of the fingers sIioavs how effectually this maybe done, and if, at the time this pressure is made, the pa- tient but gently coughs, he will discover how forcibly the protruding parts are driven outwards, and how necessa- ry it is to guard against their future propulsion. The ingenuity of artists has devised a mode, by spring trus- ses, of applying a constant and properly adapted pres- sure, requiring little or no exertion, or even attention, of / the patient himself. No person, therefore, in the situa- tion just described, should suffer a day to pass, more than is absolutely unavoidable, without obtaining the comfort and security which will follow the application of a truss; since, if it be adopted at the first appearance of the disease, not only will the malady be stopt in its progress; but, if employed with constancy and steadi- ness, a radical cure may be gained. If it be discovered that the return of the rupture is be- come difficult, and that a stricture on the protruded part has perhaps taken place, the person should place him- self on his back, inclining to the side opposite to that diseased, with the head low, and the breech raised high, the knees being drawn upwards, and a little outwards. Whilst lying in this posture, he should endeavour, by such pressure as he has been accustomed to employ for its reduction, to return the protruded part. Should he not succeed in this attempt, he may lay on the part a piece of folded linen, dipped in cold Avater, and repeat his attempts. If these be also unsuccessful, he may then 380 FALLING OF THE FUNDAMENT. be assured that a stricture has taken place, and as his life depends on its speedy removal, no time should be lost, in obtaining the best surgical assistance that can be had. The umbilical hernia, or rupture of the navel is most common to childhood, and is easily cured if early attend- ed to. The means to be adopted are simply these:—the pro- truded parts are to be returned, which may be easily done by slight pressure with the finger; and retained in their proper situation, by a conical piece of very soft sponge, thoroughly cleared, by ruboing between the thumb and finger, of sand and minute shells, which may be lodged in its cavities. This being kept to the part, by the point of one finger, is to be secured by se- veral slips of strongly adhesive plaster, three inches in length, crossing each other in a stellated form. PROLAPSUS ANI, OR FALLING OF THE FUNDAMENT. It is occasioned by Aveakness of the part, which is aggravated by costiveness, hemorrhoidal swellings, di- arrhoea's, and particularly a tenesmus. Treatment. The cure is to be effected by reduc- tion of the part as soon as possible, and retaining it in its natural position, by a compress, secured with a ban- dage. To effect its reduction, the patient should be laid on his face in bed, with his buttocks raised above the rest of his body, and while supporting the tumor Avith I he palm of one hand, the part of the gut least protrud- ed is to be first introduced Avith the forefinger of the other. As soon as the bowels are returned, the bandage is to be applied. When the precluded parts become in- flamed, from being exposed to the air, before attempting a reduction, the inflammation is to be alleviated by blood-letting, and fomenting the part Avith a warm de- i oction of mullein. Persons who are subject to falling of the fundament, would do Avell to wash the part, immediately after eva- cuation, with a strong decoction of oak bark. AVARTS AND CORNS—WHITLOW. 381 • Such remedies as tend to recover the tone of the parts most readily, are to be used, as cold bathing par- tially applied, and injections of the decoction of bark, Avith the addition of a little laudanum, or starch, if there be an acrid discharge. With the same vieAV, tonic me- dicines, as steel, columbo or bark, should be taken thrice a day. WARTS AND CORNS. When warts are attended Avith inconvenience, they may be removed either by ligature or caustic, according to the extent of their base. The caustics commonly used for this purpose are crude sal amoniac, blue vitriol, lu- nar caustic, or tincture of steel, applied every day. As corns are formed entirely from pressure, we must carefully avoid the occasional cause, by wearing wide shoes; and for their removal, they should be bathed for some time in warm Avater, and then pared off as much as possible, without giving pain; after which apply over them a wafer or diachylon plaster, "to defend them from the cold air. Another method is to allow them to grow to some length, through a piece of perforated lea- ther, properly secured by plaster, or any other means, and aftenvards to pick them out, or to cut round their root, by which they may for the most part be easily turned out. WHITLOW. Is an inflammatory swelling of the fingers, ronfined generally to the last joint, particularly under the nail, attended with a sense of most burning heat. % Causes. It is often induced by external violence, as the puncture of a pin, or contusion of the nail; but it most frequently takes place without any obvious cause. Treatment. The moment that a sense of any pre- ternatural heat, or pain is felt, in order to effect reso- lution, apply a blister, or let the finger be bathed, seve- 382 TUMORS, OR BOILS. ral times a day, in a mixture composed of four ounces of spirits of camphor, half an ounce of laudanum, and two drachms of extract of lead. When these articles are not at'hand, holding the hand in brandy, or sharp vinegar, or very hot water often repeated, and continued for some time, will likeAvise prevent suppuration. Ac- cording to my honourable and worthy friend, John Tali- aferro Esq. of Virginia, the application of a plaster composed of lime and soft soap is a sovereign remedy. Should, however, these means fail to produce resolu- tion, the best method is to make an early opening down to the bone, which will occasion the patient much less pain, than allowing the matter gradually to make its own way to the surface; which likewise, from the length of time required, is attended with more mischief to the parts. The Avound is then to "be brought to suppura- tion by emollient poultices, and afterwards treated as an ulcer. TUMORS, OR BOILS. Every tumor terminates in one of the following ways. By an absorption of the substance into the circulation; by a conversion into pus, or degeneration into scirrhus or cancer. There are two plans for the treatment of tumors. Ei- ther by resolution or maturation. In the first, there is a dispersion of the swelling; and in the second, it is brought to maturity, and of course, a discharge takes place by spontaneous rupture, or by incision. Treatment. In the treatment of tumors, Ave must be regulated by the nature and condition of them. If, for example, they should appear on any part of the body, with only a slight degree of pain, tension. and inflammation, and no preceding indisposition, thw may induce us to believe it to be the effort of nature, to get rid of some noxious matter; we should then endea- vour to disperse the inflammation by strictly observing a cooling regimen, by bleeding, by mild cathartics, and by topical remedies, as cloths rung out of lead water, or saturnine poultices, (see Recipe 68) often renewed. SCRRIHUS, OR CANCER. 388 But when they arise from bad habits of body, their suppuration in all cases should be promoted as soon as possible, by warm emollient poultices, as milk and bread, flaxseed, or mush and fat, renewed every three or four hours. When the suppuration is complete, if the matter do not make its own way, the tumor is to be opened with a lancet or caustic, and after applying one or t\vo poul- tices, it should be dressed with basilicon (see Recipe 70) spread very thin on lint, night and morning, until it ceases to discharge: after which, with Turner's cerate, or some healing ointment. If fungous *or proud flesh appear, it must be destroyed by sprinkling red prsecipi- tate, burnt alum, or rheubarb over it, or touch the protu- berant part with blue vitriol or caustic. Attention must also be paid to the general state of the system, since if that particular state on which the tumors depend, is not changed, the patient may be harassed for a considerable time, by their recurrence. Hence, in debilitated constitutions, the tonic and strengthening remedies, such as bark, sea bathing, &c. should be employed, and in robust and gross habits, sul- phur and cream of tartar, ought to be taken in doses of a tea-spoonful thrice a day. A tumor on the gums is to be brought to suppuration by applying roasted figs internally to the part, as warm as can be borne ; and afterwards the mouth is to be fre- quently washed, either with the astringent or detergent gargle, (see Recipe 41 & 4&.) But Avhen it arises from a carious tooth, a removal of it becomes necessary, in or- der to effect a cure. SCIRRHUS, OR CANCER. A cancer is a spreading sore preceded by a hard or scirrhus swelling of the part, attended with pain, and, for the most part, a thin foetid discharge. Any part of of the body may be the seat of this disorder, though it is mostly confined to the glands. 384 SCIRRHUS, OR CANCER. A scirrhus in the breast commences with a small hard and moveable kerne 1 like a pea, without discoloration and without pain. This generally increases in size and in hardness. The neighbouring parts become affected with a sense of pain and uncommon heat, as if touched with fire, or pierced with sharp needles. Inflammation now succeeds, which ending in an ulcer or open sore, the cancerous state begins. When the surface of the skin is attacked by cancer, it generally begins Avith a small excrescence of the watery kind, which becomes a can- cerous ulcer, on suffering even the slightest irritation. Treatment. If the unfortunate subject of this mala- dy is a young subject, and of a good constitution, and the compiaint in its worst state; the best advice to be given is to apply to some experienced surgeon, and have the part extirpated immediately. When extirpation cannot be accomplished, every attempt should be made to stop the progress of the complaint, by general and topical blood-letting, by a cooling diet, consisting prin- cipally of milk and vegetables, and to keep the bowels open by the occasional use of mild cathartics. In the incipient scirrhus state, wearing a hare or rabit skin over the part affected is extremely useful, and Avhen this cannot be procured a mercurial plaster a\ ill be found serviceable. Lead water in this state' has likewise been employed wjth some success, by arresting the progress of the complaint. Every thing that tends to irritate, such as rubbing, picking, or handling the affected part, should be avoided. The clothing should be so regula- ted as not to press too hard on the tumor, nor to keep it disagreeably warm, nor leave it painfully coW. When the cancer becomes ulcerated, various have been the applications, but those Avhich give the least pain are the most eligible. The narroAV leafed dock-root has proved an effectiiel cure of this malady, in many instances. The manner of applying it, is by boiling the root till it is quite soft, then bathe the part affected with the decoction three times a day as hot as can be borne, using the root in form of poultice. common ulcers. 383 Another remedy fortius disease, is the solution of arse- nic. It is to be taken inwardly thrice a day in its usual doses (see Recipe 22) and to be applied externally in a diluted state. A drachm of the solution is first to be diluted with a quart of rain water, and made gradually stronger, till it be double of that strength. This mix- ture may be either applied on lint, or made into a poul- tice av ith the crumb of bread. The solution of kali on lint, has also been employed with some success in cancerous ulcers; beginning Avith it Aveak, and gradually increasing its strength. The charcoal powder (see Recipe 5) is an excellent application to cancerous sores, particularly Avhen they have an offensive smell. It may be daily applied in powder on lint; carefully observing not to expose the ulcer to the air, on changing the dressing. Carrots (see Materia Medica) are also a good application to foetid ulcers. COMMON ULCERS. No disease occurs more frequently among the poor and negroes, than ulcers of the legs; for this obvious reason, they are more exposed to accidents, and when they meet with a wound or contusion in the leg, the injured pari in- flames, and becomes an ulcer for Avant of proper care. Women with obstructed menses are also subject to this disorder. Ulcers receive various appellations, and require differ- ent modes of treatment, according to their appearances, or the causes, and peculiarities of the constitution of the patient. Where the disease is local, topical remedies only are necessary; but, Avhen it is connected with any disorder of the constitution, medicines that affect the whole system, are absolutely necessary. When ulcers appear to haAe had any effect, either in carrying off, or prevent- ing disorders to Avhich the constitution may have been liable, a cure should not be attempted, until an issue is made in some more convenient part, which should be made to discharge nearly as much as the ulcer, (see Issues.) 3 n 386 COMMON ULCEUS. An ulcer not attended by any considerable degree of pain and inflammation, and which affords a discharge of mild matter, of whitish consistence, the granulation firm, red, and of healthy appearance, is called the simple puru- lent ulcer, and is entirely a topical affection. This ulcer is the most simple that can occur, both in its symptoms and method of cure; and it is to the state of such a sore, that every other species must be reduced, before a per- manent cure can be effected. The eauses of purulent ulcers are, all wounds that do not unite without the formation of matter, and every ex- ternal accident that terminates in suppuration, with an Opening, as a consequence of it. Tn the cure of this species of ulcers, first remove any inflammation which may attend it, by emollient poulti-- ces, as bread and milk, renewed every three hours. As soon as the inflammation subsides, omit the poultices, lest the granulations are rendered lax and flabby; but keep the sore clean, and dress with some mild oint- ment, such as Turner's or the simple cerate (see Recipe 71 &67) spreacl very thin on soft lint, or apply dry lint, and upon that a piece of linen spread with the ointment. The thorn apple ointment (see Materia Medica) Avill be found a most valuable application to wounds. The frequency of dressing ulcers, must depend on the quan- tity of matter discharged; but in general they should be dressed once in twenty-four hours in winter, and twice in summer, and the greatest care should be taken, in reneAving the dressings, not to expose the sore for any time to the air. When the ulcer is filled up with sound flesh, the remaining part of the cure consists in the for- mation of a cicatrix. This is frequently the work of nature; but," in many cases, when every deficiency ap- pears to be supplied, still a cure is tedious; the surface of the sores remaining raw, and discharging freely. In such cases, the sores should be washed twice a day Avith simple lime water, or with some of the astringent Avashes, (see Recipe 2Q.) Ulcers of the irritable kind, which yieltf a thin icho- rous discharge, sometimes bloody, and give pain on common ulcers. 387 being touched) are brought to a good state by warm fo- mentations, as decoctions of marsh malloAVs, of the top of worm wood, of camomile flowers, or hops (see Mate- ria Medica) and by poultices of the same ingredients, to which may be added bruised flaxseed or oatmeal. But so soon as the irritability of the ulcer is removed, these applications should be discontinued, and the common remedies for ulcers employed. However, there are cases of irritable ulcers being ren- dered more painful by the application of any thing warm, and when this happens, such fomentations are not to be employed. There, the sweet oil or saturnine poultices applied cold, will be found most beneficeal. Indolent ulcers which are marked by a backwardness in forming granulations, and in those that are formed, a want of sufficient strength to bring about a complete cure, require stimulating applications, as lime water, solution of kali, or any of the astringent washes (see Recipe, 31, 30 &29.) Lint dipped in either of those solutions that may be found to agree best with the patient, should be ap- plied twice in twenty four hours to the sore, after being care- fully cleansed with castile soap and water. The strength of the solution should be gradually increased every two or three days; for what at first gives considerable pain, Avill soon loose that effect. Tincture of myrrh, pure or di- luted, according to the state of the ulcer, is in many instan- ces a good application, and a decoction of walnut tree leaves is exceedingly useful in disposing foul ulcers to heal. In some superficial ulcers, attended with a thickening of the skin, and when there is an unusual coldness of the limbs, without any tendency to mortification, warm salt water has been used with the greatest advantage. There is nothing of more importance, both in facili- tating and ensuring a permanent cure of ulcers on the legs, than compression; which, however, should never be employed until the inflammation has subsided. Soon as this desirable event shall have taken place, and the usual dressings are applied; then the affected part should be covered with several foldings of soft linen rags, and the whole secured upon the part Avith a calico or 388 wounds. flannel bandage, three inches in breadth, and four or five yards in length; or rather, as much as will support the limb from the foot to the knee. This bandage should be applied with as much firm- ness as can be borne by the patient, and as much even- ness as possible, by passing it first round the leg at the ancle joint, then once or tAvice round the foot, and after- wards up the limb in a spiral manner, until it reaches the knee, observing, that each turn of the bandage should have its lower edge about an inch above the lower edge of the fold next below. If the compression should give pain and produce inflammation, the part that is affected should be moistened with cold Avater, poured from a tea-kettle or tea-pot, and repeated as often as the above symptoms may indicate the necessity. Should any disease prevail, its removal must first be effected. If the patient be weak, the diet should be nu- tritious ; and tonic medicines, as bark or the nitric acid, given in their usual doses. But if," on the contrary, of a plethoric habit, he should observe a spare and cooling regimen, and take a tea-spoonful of cream of tartar and flour of sulphur, thrice a day. In obstinate cases, small doses of calomel until the system is affected with it, or the use of poke-berry bounce, will assist the cure. WOUNDS. The cure of all wounds is affected in tAvo ways, either by adhesion or suppuration; and previous to attempting either of these modes, the hemorrhage or further effusion of blood should be restrained, and any extraneous sub- stance removed. Hemorrhages are to be restrained, by the application of dossils of lint, or by the tourniquet, or pressure with the hand, above the wounded part, until a ligature can be applied. In dangerous hemorrhage, or bleeding in the extremi- ties, I have known the curative operations wonderfully assisted by simply raising the limb as perpendicularly as possible. In the erect posture, the gravity of the blood AV0UNDS. 389 so checked its velocity, as to enable the surgeon with great care to stop its effusion, which he had not been able to effect while the limb Avas pendant, and its Aressels distended with blood. Simple as this suggestion may appear, it is a neAv dis- covery in the science of healing, for Avhich Ave are in- debted to professor Physic, Avhose extraordinary skill in that noble art, has conciliated to him that very amia- ble title, " the American Hunter," and for safety of all surgical operations has placed Philadelphia on the same high level as Edinburgh itself. When ligatures are necessary in consequence of large arteries being wounded, the folloAviftg rules are to be ob- served in applying them. If you have no tourniquet, take a garter or a cord, make a small linen cushion about four or five inches long, three broad, and about tAvo thick, or roll up a handkerchief hard, in a similar form, and lay it on the trunk of the artery above the wounded part; pass the garter or cord, over the handkerchief, round the limb; tie a knot leaving a proper space; and then twist the ligature Avith a piece of stick, until the hemorrhage is completely restrained; you are then to prepare a ligature, formed of tAvo or three white Avaxed threads proportioned to the size of the vessel; after Avhich slacken the bandage, in order by its hemorrhage, to dis- cover exactly the situation of the artery, and Avith a tenaculum or a crooked needle, stick its point into the coat of the artery, and draAv out the latter for an eighth of an inch, Avhen a ligature, previously placed over the in- strument in the manner of a ring, by one of the ends be- ing put twice through the other, termed the surgeon's knot, is to be pulled over the point of the needle by an assistant; and Avhen upon the vessel, its tAvo ends should be draAvn gently, until the sides of the latter are com- pressed. A second knot, if the artery is large, may be then made, after Avhichthe instrument is to be removed, and the ends of the thread or ligature cut off', at such a distance, that they may hang at least one or two inches Avithout the edge of the wound. 390 WOUNDS. When a small artery is wounded, if it be divided, it retracts, and the hemorrhage presently ceases. If it is punctured, the Avound should be enlarged, and then the artery may be tied, if proper pressure proves ineffectual. Sand, dust, or small pieces of glass, &c. are best re- moved by washing the parts in warm water, either by means of a sponge, or of a syringe. In the third place as the principal object, proceed to the employment of these means, which will probably heal the wound in the most easy and expeditious manner; for the longer this is neglected, the less is the part disposed to heal. Whenever the nature of the injury will admit of it, the divided parts should be immediately brought into contact, the irritation excited by the wound itself, will then generally be productive of certain degree of inflam- mation, which will accomplish a union in the course of a few days; however, in relaxed habits, with symptoms of debility, the application of some stimulants, as Turling- ton's balsam, spirit, or balsam of apple Avill be required to produce that effect. r The Avound is then said to be heal- ed by the first intention, and this mode of cure should always, when practicable, be attempted. The means of drawing and preserving divided parts in contact, are bandages, adhesive plasters, and sutures. With res- pect to the two first, these should ahvays be preferred to the latter, in wounds that do not penetrate to any con- siderable depth. The mode of applying adhesive plasters is by straps; one half of which is fastened on one side of the wound, and the other on the skin, on the other side of the Avound, drawing it tight, and holding it firm until the warmth of the part secures it; but if the Avound is deep, this con- tact of the sides must be made by sutures. In forming sutures, it should be observed, that one stitch, or suture, is sufficient for every inch of wound, and that the ligature or stitch should always be carried near the bottom of the wound, and the threads passed from within, outwards. Thus, a needle being put upon each end of the same thread, well Avaxed, and each of the needles inserted at the bottom of the sore when push- WOUNDS. m ed outwardly, about half an inch to an inch from the edge of the wound, accordingto its depth, will form one stitch, and the needle being withdrawn, the same thing is to be repeated, according to the extent of the wound. When all the stitches are completed, the lips of the wound are to be pressed together, and supported in that posi- tion, until the ligatures are tied in the manner as already directed for making a surgeon's knot. It is of consequence to observe, that where the use of sutures or adhesive plasters has been neglected at first, they may be employed with advantage during any stag® of the sore, as the parts will unite at any time very rea- dily ; and it will expedite the cure very much, to bring the edges of the ulcer into contact, whenever it can be done. When the parts are brought together, in the manner directed, in order to prevent the access of air, it will be proper to cover them* with lint spread either with a thick mucilage of some mild gum, or some bland ointment, as the simple or saturnine, (see Recipe 67 and 68,) or in debilitated or relaxed habits apply Turling- ton's balsam, (see Recipe 59.) The first dressings of wounds should never be re- moved, until the cure be completed, or until they appear to be covered with matter, unless the pain in the wound becomes severe, and is productive of much inflammation; and then the dressings should immediately be removed, and the parts gently rubbed with some olive oil, and a plas- ter of saturnine cerate, spread on soft lint, applied. If this prove insufficient, and the inflammation is observed to rise still higher, a separation of the lips, the stitches tense, and the points where the stitches pass, particularly in- flamed, cut the ligatures, and take away every thing that is like stricture upon the wound. All hopes of procu- ring adhesion must now be abandoned, and the wound should be brought to a speedy and plentiful suppuration, by flaxseed, or milk and bread poultices, often renewed; and as soon as there is a full appearance of pus, with relief of the more violent symptoms of inflammation, the poultices should be laid aside, and the sore then treated as a simple ulcer. 392 AVOUNDS. When sutures or plasters have been applied, and the symptoms of pain and inflammation continue moderate, they may generally be removed about the fifth or sixth day, as a union will by that time be produced. Gun-shot,* or lacerated and contused Avounds, as market by their ragged and unequal edges, are the most dangerous of all others, from their disposition to gan- grene. Hence it is obvious that in these Avounds, the means to guard against mortification should be early employed. In the treatment of wounds of this descrip- tion, three stages are to be observed in its progress, which may be termed the inflammatory, suppurant, and the incarnating. In the management of the first or in- flammatory stage, especially if the patient complain of much pain, blood-letting should be had recourse to, and repeated according to the violence of inflammation and strength of the patient, and if possible to procure leeches; these should be applied near to the edges of the sore. Emollients are then to be used, as pledgets of mild oint- ments on the wound, with poultices of bread and milk, or flaxseed, laid above, and renewed every three or four hours, in order to promote a speedy suppuration, which are the best means of preventing gangrene. When the pus is freely formed, a separation of the most injured parts takes place, and as soon as they have come aAvay, the edges of the wound may be brought together by plas- ters or bandages, but no kind of suture should be em- ployed; and the sore will then come to be treated as a simple ulcer. In the second or suppurant stage, the chief point is to check the excess of suppuration, and dispose the wound to heel. This depends on a light nourishing diet, Avith * Speaking1 of gun-shot wounds reminds me of a most awful and melan- choly event, which not long since took place in Charleston, S. C.—I mean the death of the great physician and historian, Dr. David Ramsey. This gentleman, whose urbanity of manners, and extraordinary literary acquisitions, had rendered him the brightest ornament of science and society, was suddenly cut off amidst his usefulness to his family and country, by the pistol of a lunatic. The untimely fate of so truly amiable a man, and so dis- tinguished a physician and patriot, as Dr. Kamsey, will long be renumbered With the d-epesL rcgrci. wounds. 393 wine, and the plentiful exhibition of bark, and elixir vitriol. The third or incarnating stage is promoted, by plac- ing the member in a proper position, to give a free dis- charge of matter, assisted by pressure at the same time, and by opening every collection which appears ; by re- moving splinters, bones or Avhatever causes irritation— and by healing with astringent dressings of lint, dipt in the solution of kali, lime water, or any of the astrin- gent washes (see Recipe 2Q) when the discharge is ex- cessive. In the progress of Avounds, certain constitutional symptoms arise, that demand particular attention; these are pain, inflammation and convulsive affections. The first of these, usually goes off in a short time, by attend- ing to the posture and ease of the Avounded part, and removing any extraneous irritation; but Avhen it con- tinues very violent, and for a longer time than usual; it will be necessary in the first place, to try the effects of laudanum, in doses of eight or ten drops every two or four hours ; and when the inflammation is violent, to unload the vessel by topical bleedings; which may be further aided by fomentations and emollient poultices. If these are not sufficient, and the pain still continues acute, it probably depends on a partial separation of nerves; to relieve Avhich, a complete division of them should be made. The latter complaints are spasmodic, Avhich vary in degree from the slightest convulsive twitching, to the highest state of spasm in the attack of the lock-jaw. They are frequently the effects of trifling injuries, a small scratch for instance, which does not penetrate to a greater depth than the skin will some- times induce them; and when they happen as the con- sequences of large Avounds, they do not make their ap- pearance until the sore seems nearly healed. Upon the first symptoms of these affections the pa- tient should be immersed in a bath of warm water, soap-suds or a ley made with Avood ashes, as long as he can bear it, and opium should be exhibited in' pretty large doses, every two or three hours, a* the. symptoms 3 c 391 MORTIFICATION. may indicate. When this fails, the malady is to be treated by remedies prescribed for tetany. The constitutional treatment of wounds requires, du- ring the inflammatory stage, the strictest attention to the cooling regimen, a low spare diet, an occasional use of laxatives, and the Avounded part kept in such a situa- tion as affords most relief. When suppuration is form- ed, a fuller diet will then be necessary; and if the dis- charge of matter is excessive, bark and elixir vitriol must be employed. MORTIFICATION. The word mortification, in its present acceptation, or meaning, is generally supposed to have place where the circulation is no longer performed through the diseased part, which generally turns blackish, and becomes pu- trid, producing a separation of the diseased surface from the sound flesh, like an eschar, in consequence of a caustic having been applied. In the incipient stage of this disease, which is termed gangrene, there is gene- rally a very high degree of inflammation, and a swelling of the parts aftected, with some vesications, like those from scalds, but of different colours, according to the extravasated fluid, with which they arc replete ; some- times pellucid or yelloAA',at other times black or broAvnish. While things are in this state, attempts should be made to prevent a sudden change to a mortification: but, in order to effect this, it must be observed, that a tenden- cy to mortify, may be oAving to very opposite causes: it must therefore be extremely obvious to every man of consideration, that there cannot be any thing properly a specific for a disease, Avhere a plethora or fulness is the cause in one subject, and inanition in another. We know very well that all inflammations may ter- minate in mortifications. It is also of importance to knoAV that Avhere there is a languid circulation, as in old age, or in cases of excessive debility from protracted fe- vers, the extremities not only threaten soon to become gangrenous, but the progress to mortification is often SPRAINS AND BUISE3. 395 very rapid under such circumstances : for, not only the vital heat is deficient, but the vessels themselves are frequently diseased, and tiiough duly .distended with blood, are incapable of reacting on the contained fluid, Avhich consequently in time must stagnate in the smnil vessels. Hence it is obvious, that a mortification may proceed from a circulation that is too rapid, or too languid; and consequently, the treatment must vary accordinjjto cir- cumstances, and the cause of the disease. * In the first case, general blood-letting, diluent drinks, Avith nitre dissolved in them, and the cooling regimen in every respect are indispensable for its cure. And in the second, a liberal use of cordials and invigorating medi- cines, as Avine and bark, to raise and maintain the vital heat, and to check the progress of putrefaction can alone be depended upon. When the mortification proceeds from a too languid circulation, or when there is much pain, opium or lau- danum is one of the greatest cordials, and should be ta- ken freely every three or four hours, but not in such do- ses as to produce its narcotic effects. The best external application to arrest the course of gangrene or mortification, is to apply a blister over the gangrenous part, sufficiently large to cover one or two inches of the sound flesh, and afterwards to dress the part with cataplasms, made of bark or charcoal pow- der, (see Recipe 5,) and yeast, to be reneAved every three or four hours, or as often as they acquire a putrid smell. When the mortified parts begin to separate, remove no more at each dressing than comes away without pain or loss of blood, and as soon as the gangrene stops, and granulations of good flesh appear, it is to be treated as a simple ulcer. SPRAINS AND BRUISES. In the treatment of sprains and bruises, the chief point is to give an instantaneous vigour to the solids, so as to prevent the increase of effusion. Hence the part 396 DISLOCATIONS. should be instantly plunged into cold water. After this, cloths wetted with vinegar or lead Avater, to Avhich lau- danum may beedded, should be applied, and renewed as fast as they groAv warm, until the pain and inflam- mation have somewhat subsided. The sprained part may then be dressed tAvo or three times a day, Avith a bandage of brown paper, dipt in warm vinegar and spirits, or embrocated with opodeldoc or volatile lini- ment P(see Recipe 64) ahvays observing to preserve the part in the easiest and most relaxed posture. In addition to this local treatment, if the patient be of a plethoric habit, or the injury very severe, blood-let- ting, cooling cathartics, and a light diet are particular- ly enjoined. When bruises have been neglected at the onset, or become painful, warm fomentations of bitter herbs, are extremely useful; and their good effects will be considerably aided, by applying the ingredients themselA'es as a poultice to the part as warm as can be borne, and sprinkled Avith a little finely powdered cam- phor. After serious sprains, the patient often complains of Aveakness and uneasiness in the injured parts. In such cases a stream of cold water, poured on the part at a considerable height, from the spout of a tea-kettle or pitcher, two or three times a-day, completes the cure, especially, if a flesh brush or flannel be vigorously used immediately before and after the application. Some as- sistance will likewise be obtained, by the use of a ban- dage or roller, to confine the SAvelling when that symp- tom occurs. DISLOCATIONS. What is termed a dislocation, is the removal of an articulated bone, from its natural situation, which is ea- sily known by a degree of protuberance on one side, equalled by a corresponding hollow on the other; by comparing the joint of one member injured Avith its fel- low ; by inability to move the injured limb, and by pain and tension in the part affected. In Avhatever part a dis- location happens, it is of great importance to have it DISLOCATIONS, *W reduced as soon as possible; because, by delay, the operation becomes extremely difficult, and very frequent- ly rendered impracticable, after the inflammation and SAvelling have come on. Therefore, whenever this accident happens m the country, if medical assistance cannot immediately be obtained, the most intelligent person present should reduce the bone. # . In the replacing of dislocated limbs, the principal ob- ject to be attended to, is the mode in which the exten- sion is made; for the success of the operation depends more on this, than the force with Avhich it may be ap- plied. Therefore gradually extending from one side to the other, and gently moving it upwards and downwards, is more likely to succeed, than strong extension in a right line: the force should be begun very gradually, and increased slowly at each trial, in case it resists the first. In case of a luxation being obstinate to reduce, bleeding so as to cause faintness, may often be used ad- vantageously, and Avhilst the patient is in a weak state, there is a greater probability of success, from extension Avell directed; the operator at the same time, endea- vouring with his hands to replace the dislocated end of the bone. After the bone is replaced, compresses made by two or three folds of old linen, wetted Avith vinegar or lead Avater, should be constantly applied to the part, in or- der to obviate inflammation ; and the limb should be re- tained in its natural situation, by bandages, which should neither be applied over tight, nor over loose ; as in one case they would compress too much ; and in the other they would be of no use to the parts. Where inflammation has taken place, before the re- duction is accomplished, it cannot be performed until that is overcome. For this purpose Ave must adopt the antiphlogistic plan, such as bleeding, keeping the bow- els in a laxative state, by the occasional use of the ca- thartic mixture, (see Recipe 11) and using warm drinks, together with the camphorated powders, and antimonial solution (see Recipe 2 & 6) in their usual doses, in or- der to promote perspiration. 398 DISLOCATIONS. DISLOCATION OF THE JAW. The loAver jaw may be luxated by yaAvning, blows, falls, chewing hard substances, or the like. This acci- dent may be known to have taken place, from the pa- tient's being unable to shut his mouth, or to eat any thing. The chin, likeAvise, either hangs down, or is wrested to on 3 side; and the patient is neither able to speak dis- tinctly, nor to swalloAV without considerable difficulty. The common method of reducing a dislocated jaAv is to place the patient upon a low stool, in such a manner that an assistant may hold the head firm, by pressing it against his breast. The operator is then to push his two thumbs, protected Avith linen eloths that they may not be bitten, when the jaw slips into its place, as far back into the patient's mouth as he can, and then, Avith his Jingers applied to the outside of the angle of the jaw, endeavour to bring it forAvard, till it move a little .from its situation. He should then press it forcibly downwards and backAvards, by Avhich means the elap- sed heads of the jaAv will immediately slip into their :place, DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. The humerus or upper bone of the arm is the most -subject to dislocation of any in the body, and may be luxated in various directions: the accident, hoAvever, happens most frequently doAvnAvards, but very seldom directly upwards. This dislocation may be discovered by the patient's inability to raise his arm, as well as by violent pain in attempting it, and by a depression or ca- vity on the top of the shoulder. When the dislocation is downward or forAvard, the arm is lengthened, and a ball or lump is perceived under the arm-pit; but Avhen it is backward, there appears a protuberance behind the shoulder, and the arm is throAvn forAvard towards the breast. The usual method of reducing a dislocation of the sboulder is to set the patient upon a low stool, and to DISLOCATIONS. 399 cause an assistant to hold his body firm, while another lays hold of his arm a little above the elboAV, and gradu- ally extends it. The operator then puts a napkin under the patient's arm, and causes it to be tied behind his own neck. By this, Avhile a sufficient extension is made, he lifts up the head of the bone, and with his hands directs it into its proper place. In young and delicate persons an operator may generally reduce this dislocation by ex- tending the arm Avith one hand, and thrusting in the head of the bone with the other. In making the exten- sion, the elbow ought always to be a little bent. DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW. The bones of the fore-arm may be dislocated in any direction, but most commonly upwards and backwards. In this luxation, a protuberance may be observed on that side of the arm towards Avhich the bone is pushed; from which circumstance, joined to the patient's inability to bend his arm, a luxation at the elbow may be known. For reducing a dislocation at the elbow, two assistants are for the most part necessary: one of them must lay hold of the arm above, and the other below the joint, and make a pretty strong extension, while the operator returns the bones into their proper place. The arm must aftenvards be bent, and suspended for some time Avith a sling about the neck. Dislocations of the wrist and fingers are to be reduc- ed in the same manner as those of the elbow, viz. by making an extension in different directions, and thrust ing the head of the bone into its place. DISLOCATION OF THE THIGH. When the thigh-bone is dislocated forward and down- ward, the knee and foot are turned out, and the leg is longer than the other; but when it is displaced backward, it is usually pushed upward at the same time, by which means the limb is shortened, and the foot is turned in- ward. 40J3 DISLOCATIONS.' When the thigh-bone is displaced forward and down- ward, the patient, in order to its reduction, must be laid upon his back, and made fast by bandages, or held by assistants, Avhile by others an extension is made by means of slings fixed about the bottom of the thigh a little above the knee. While the extension is made, the operator must push the head of the bone outward until it gets in- to the socket. If the dislocation be outward, the pa- tient must be laid upon his face, and riurins; the exten- sion, the head of the bone must be pushed inward. Dislocations of the knees, ankles, and toes, are reduc- ed much in the same manner as those of the upper ex- tremities, viz. by making an extension in opposite di- rections, while the operator replaces the bones. In many cases hoAvever, the extension alone is sufficient, and the bone will slip into its place merely by pulling the limb with sufficient force. It is not hereby meant that force alone is sufficient for the reduction of dislocations. Skill and dexterity will often succeed better than force; and one man who possesses them has been able to perform what the united force of many Avas found inadequate to accomplish. INJURIES OF THE HEAD, AND FRAC TURES OF THE LIMBS. If, in consequence of a bad fall or blow, a considera- ble injury appears to have been received, the sufferer being unable, in consequence of the loss of his senses, to point out the injured part; some consideration is neces- sary before any attempts are made, even to raise him from the ground. Because should a fractui'e of one of the bones have happened, and not suspected by his as- sistants, their exertions to raise him, and to place him on his feet, might force the ends of the fractured bone through the soft part, and convert a simple fracture in- to a very darigerous compound one. The limbs, there- fore, should be carefully examined; but even if they seem to have sustained no material injury, yet should the patient not be precipitately raised, until something INJURIES OF THE HEAD 401 be provided, on which he may be placed; as thereby unnecessary, and perhaps injurious exertions are avoided. As it will be fair to conclude, from the deprivation of the senses, that the brain may have sustained some in- jury, great care should be taken, to convey the patient to his apartment with as little injury as possible, and Avhilst laying in bed the head should be someAvhat raised. If the patient be of a plethoric habit, a moderate bleeding will be required, as soon as possible after the accident; after which the bowels should be evacuated either by purgative medicines or glysters. One or two stools be- ing procured, and if possible the Avarm bath used; the anodyne sudorific drops, (see Recipe 17?) should next be exhibited, to produce perspiration, and to excite ab- sorption of the extravasated blood; and this mixture should be continued in doses often or twelve drops every four or six hours, until the patient is out of danger, ob- serving to keep the boAvels open. During convalescence, the bark, columbo or steel Avith wine, may be employed. If there is a laceration of the scalp, every attempt should be made to induce suppura- tion of the part, by the application of Avarm fomenta- tions or poultices, and this taking place, a relief of all the symptoms will occur, when it is to be treated as a sim- ple wound. But should it be discovered that a leg or thigh is bro- ken, the patient is not to be stirred until a proper vehi- cle, as a door, or two or three boards well secured to- gether, is procured, on which he can be placed. To place him on this, two persons may raise him by means of a sheet slid under his hips, whilst one raises hiin by the shoulders, one person raising the sound leg, and one carefully conducting the fractured limb, which should be placed on a pilloAV, with the knee a little bent. The best mode of conveyance is undoubtedly by two or four men, and a carriage should never be employed, Avhen this mode can be adopted. As the patient will be un- der the necessity of lying some time Avithout getting up much subsequent pain and exertion will be prevented, by preparing the bed in the following manner. 3 D 402 AND FRACTURES OF LIMBi.. In place of the laced canvass, bottom boards are to be laid across the bed frame, Avhich makes the bed hard and keeps it perfectly level and smooth during the cure. In place of a feather bed, a mattress only is to be laid above those boards ; over this another, cut into four parts, Avith a piece of a sheet seAved round each portion, is to be placed, that they may be shifted under the patient from time to time. On the bed thus prepared, a pillow, like a mattress, flat and firm, is to be laid for receiving theHimb. In setting a broken bone, very little extension is re- quired, nor should tight and firm bandages be used, Avhich give considerable pain to the patient, Avithout the least benefit. In a simple fracture of the thigh or leg, Avith patients not unruly, very little more is neces- sary than to restore the foot to aright direction Avith re- gard to the leg, and then stretch out the limb on a well made pilloAV ; observing to extend, straighten, and lay it anew, Avhen it is disordered or shortened, Avithout fear of hurting the callus. And Avhen you have placed the limb between two splints, or troughs, made of un- tanned leather or paste-board, Avhichhave been previous- ly soaked and softened, the whole braced down with ribbons or tapes which may preserve it steady, you have done every thing. Having prepared two long troughs, or pieces of un- tanned leather or paste-board bent in a hollow form, lin- ed, or rather cushioned with two or three folds of flan- nel, with tapes or ribbons, four or five in number, attach- ed to the outside of one of the splints, by Avhich both splints may, after all is over, be gently tied together, Avith bow knots, to be slackened or tightened, according to the SAvelling of the limb ; you are then to place these by the side of the fractured leg, and direct one of the as- sistants to apply his hands broad around the upper part of the limb, and grasp it gently and steadily; take the foot and ankle in the same manner in your own hand; slip your left hand under the broken part of the limb, slide it gently along, and then lay it upon the splints. to Avhich the ribbons are attached. INJURIES OF THE HEAD 403, If the bone cannot be reduced by this extension, en- deavour to force it in with your thumbs. Begin then to lay the limb smooth ; let your assistant again grasp it, by spreading his hands upon the thigh, or below the knee* with the design of extending, along with you, not by lifting the leg from the pillow, but rather by keeping it down, and steadying it by pressure, while you, Avith both hands, lift the foot and ankle ; grasp them gently, but firmly; raise them a little from the pillow, and draw gently, steadily, and smoothly. When you have thus extended and smoothed the broken leg, in a man- ner Avhich you almost suppose agreeable, rather than painful, to the patient, press it doAvn gently, and steadi- ly, upon the lower splint; the upper is then to be laid above it; and by grasping the soft ami moistened splints, you must model them a little to the shape of the limbs. When the Avhole has taken a form, tie several tapes, one after another; and after having tied them in a general Avay, go over them again, one by one, and tie them a lit- tle closer, so as to keep the limb agreeably firm. The process is either slower or more imperfect in children and old people : their bones, therefore, more apt to be broken again; hence Avith them the splints should be kept longer applied. On particular occasions also, particular precautions must be taken. Thus Avith delirious patients, and those who are liable to sudden motion, as Avhen at sea, the limb after being set, must be laid betAveen t\vo pilloAVs and the pillows, fastened to the bed. It is also, sometimes necessary to make the splints more secure, and this may be done by soaking a roller or bandage in whites of eggs, mixed with a little flour; or by stewing a little poAvdered rosin on the ban- dage, and afterwards soaking it with spirits of wine; or finally by soaking the bandage with fine glue, which makes a firm case, and is far from being offensive. Lastly, though splints and bandages in general are unnecessary during the cure; yet, when a patient rises from bed, rests the weight of his body on the fractured bone, and begins to be exposed to accidents, the splints laid along the limb, should be made firm by a bandage 40$ AND FRACTURES OF THE LIMBS. or roller as above described, to prevent those accidents which may be incurred by precipitation and rashness. In fractures of the arm, the parts hang naturally in the best posture, and require but two splints of thin paste- board, rolled gently with a linnen roller: and in frac- tures of the fore-arm, the limb preserves its natural length or form ; it requires merely to be laid upon a long splint of paste-board, with a small splint laid above, the two splints being secured with light ribbons or tapes, and the arm from the elbow to the finger's ends supported by a sling or handkerchief round the neck, raising the palm of the hand to the breast, with the fingers moderately bent, When the arm is fractured betAveen the elbow and should der, the fore-arm may be placed in the same position, as already described; but the sling, instead of supporting the whole length of the arm, should only support the hand, Avhich should be raised higher than in the former case, the elbow being alkrwed to sink; its motion, however, being prevented, by a handkerchief passed moderately tight round the trunk, including the fractured arm. When the small bones happen to be fractured, they must be replaced and retained in their situation, by splints and bandages fitted to the part. In using splints of paste- board or untanned leather, it is always necessary they should be applied in the first instance Avet, so as to assume the form of the fractured part. After the first fortnight, the dressings should be occassionally removed to allow some motion of the joints; and then replaced, and dailv removed for the same purpose. When there is an external Avound, communicating Avith the cavity of the fracture, it is termed a compound fracture. This sometimes occurs by the profusion of the bone; at other times by the same force Avhich caus- ed the fracture. In such cases, the bone is to be reduc- ed, by carefully attending to the posture of the limb, and by dilating the wound, Avhen the bone becomes crirdH in it. The Avound is then to be dressed Avith dry lint, in order to alloAV the blood to coagulate, which. BLOOD-LETTING. 4,05 will form a kind of scab, and every effort should be made to unite the wound by the first intention, thereby con- verting the accident to the state of a simple fracture. Almost all fractures are attended with contusion and consequently swelling; the abating of which is the first step that should be taken towards the cure, and is to be effected by bleeding, if the patient is of a plethoric habit, by mild purges, a cooling regimen, and by the exhibition of the anodyne sudorific drops, as already described : the application to the parts affected should be vinegar or lead-Avater, Avith crumbs of bread, or poultices made of stale beer or vinegar and oatmeal, with a little oil to pre- vent their growing dry or stiff. The swelling of the limb being subsided, and the cal- lus formed, cold Avater maybe poured through the spout of a tea-kettle over the fractured limb every morning to restore the tone of the injured parts. BLOOD-LETTING. The art of opening a vein, and the necessary cautions respecting the operation should be learned by every .one ; since cases of emergency may happen, when the necessity of its being performed is evident, and where life may be lost before medical assistance can be obtained. Another qualification necessary to be possessed, is that of being able to stop the flow of blood from a vein thus opened. To bleed, you are to apply a ribbon or ligature with some degree of tightness, an inch or two aboAe the elboAv joint; and as soon as a vein is conspicuous, place the thumb of ycur left hand about an inch below the place of your puncture, and then with your right hand, hold- ing the lancet firm betwixt your thumb and fore finger, make an incision obliquely into the vein, Avithout chang- ing its direction, or raising the handle, lest the point, being hyvyered in proportion, should cut the under part of the vein, or perhaps even Avound an artery.* * To discriminate between an artery and vein, is a matter of the utmost importance. This is readily done if proper attention be paid. The chief mark of distinction is, that the artery has a pulsation, which the vein has not. 406 BLOOD-LETTING. When the quantity of blood you wish, is drawn, un tie the ligature, and close the crifice. To accomplish this, let the thumb be slid on the orifice, so as to bring its sides together, and to press it Avith a moderate force. The flow of blood will now be stopped, and the operator with the hand, must introduce a compress, made by twice doubling a piece of linen about tAvo inches square, between the orifice and his thumb; over this place another compress, three or four inches square, of a thickness sufficient to fill up the IioIIoav of the bend of the arm, confining the Avhole with a ribbon or tape, pass- ing over the compress, and above and below the elboAV, in the form of a figure eight, finishing Avith a knot over the compress. If the bleeding should continue obstinate, the sleeve of the gOAvn or coat above the orifice, ought to be ripped or loosened—and if this do not succeed, the lips of the in- cision should be brought nicely together, and while they are compressed firmly by the thumb of the opera- tor, the coldest water should be poured on the arm, or the orifice washed Avith sharp vinegar. To bleed in the foot, a ligature must be applied above the ankle joint, and after opening the most conspicuous vein, if the flow of blood is not copious, it may be in- creased by immersion of the part in warm water. On re- inoA'ing the ligature, the blood Avill readily cease to dis- charge, and a piece of court plaster is the best bandage. Topical blood-letting is executed by the application of leeches, as near as possible to the part affected, or by a scarificator, or an instrument Avith a number of lancets acted upon by a spring. When leeches are employed they must be previously prepared by drying them, or allowing them to creep over a dry cloth ; the part also to attract them, should be moistened with cream, sugar or blood, and they confined into by applying a wine-glass over them. But frequently it happens, that an artery lies so immediately under a vein, that its pulsation may be felt through the vein. In such cases it will be pru- dent not to open the vein unless the operator is skilful; for it must be at. tended with danger, BLOOD-LETTING. 407 When the scarificator is used, as soon as a wound is made, a cup exhausted of its atmospheric air, by burn- ing over it for a feAV seconds, a bit of soft paper, dipt in the spirit of wine, and on the flame of Avhich being near- ly exhausted, must instantly be applied over the scarifi- ed part; Avhen full, it is easily removed by raising one side of it, to admit the air. When you have takeri aAvay in this manner a sufficient quantity of blood, the wounds are to be covered Avith some cream or mild ointment. In the operation of blood-letting, certain morbid con- sequences at times arise, Avhich demand a special treat- ment. The most common of these, are a swelling of the part termed eccymosis, and when it occurs, shifting the posi- tion of the arm, so as to induce a free discharge, will lessen the tumor, if not entirely remove it. Should this fail, compresses dipt in the solution of sal ammoniac or brandy are to be applied. These also failing, and the swelling still continuing without any diminution, the tumor must be opened, and after removing the co- agulated blood, the sore is to be treated as a common wound. Another consequence wliich sometimes folioavs blood- letting, is an acute pain, immediately felt on the in- troduction of the lancet, and communicated from the part to the extremity of the member. The treatment of this complaint consists in the early use of cloths, Avrung out of lead-water applied to the part, and adopt- ing in every respect the antiphlogistic plan, as blood- letting, cooling cathartics, and a low diet, to obviate inflammation. This treatment not succeeding, laudanum must be given in large doses; which also failing, a free division of the nerve or tendon, which was pricked with the lan- cet, is the only remedy left. The last accident requires to be noticed, is the Avound- ing of an artery, which is known immediately after the operation, by strong compression of the vein, above and below the orifice, by the trvonlous motion in which the blood flows, and by not being able to stop the dis- 408 ISSUES. charge as usual. The cure of this affection may be at tempted in the early stage, by compression, and observ- ing the antiphlogistic regimen. On their falling, the tumor must be extirpated, and then the ends of the ves- sel secured by means of a ligature until a re-union of the parts is effected; when the circulation is made to pursue a different channel. ISSUES. These are a kind of artificial ulcers, formed in differ- ent parts of the body, for the purpose of procuring a dis- charge of purulent matter, which is frequently of advan- tage in various disorders. Practitioners Avere formerly of opinion that issues served as drains, to carry off noxious humours from the blood; and therefore they placed them as near the affected part as possible. But as it is now known that they prove useful merely by the quantity of matter which they produce, they are ge- nerally placed where they will occasion the least incon- venience. The most proper parts for them are, the nape of the neck; the middle, outer, and fore-parts of the shoulder; the holloAV above the inner side of the knee; or either side of the back-bone; or between two of the ribs ; or whereever there is a sufficiency of cellular substance for the protection of the parts beneath.— They ought never to be placed over the belly of a muscle; nor over a tendon, or thinly covered bone; nor near any large blood-vessel. The issues commonly used are, the blister-issue, the pea-issue, and the seton or cord. When a blister-issue is to be used, after the blister is removed, a discharge of matter may be kept up by dressing the part daily, with an ointment mixed Avith a little of the poAvder of cantharides, or Spanish flies. If the discharge be too little, more of the poAvder may be used; if too great, or if the part be much inflamed, the. issue-ointment may be laid aside, and the part dressed with basilicon, or with common cerate, till the discharge be diminished, and the inflammation abated. ISSUES. 417 It is sometimes most proper to use the issue ointment, and a mild one, alternately. A pea-issue is formed either by making an incision with a lancet, or by caustic, large enough to admit one or more peas; though sometimes, instead of peas, kid- ney-beans, gentian-root, or orange-peas are used. When the opening is made by an incision, the skin should be pinched up and cut through, of a size sufficient to re- ceive the substance to be put into it. But when it is to be done by caustic, the common caustic, or lapis in- fernalis of the shops, ansAvers best. It ought to be re duced to a paste with a little water or soft soap, to pre- vent it from spreading; and an adhesive plaster, with a small hole cut in the centre of it, should be previous- ly placed, and the caustic paste spread upon the hole. Over the whole an adhesive plaster should be placed, to prevent any caustic from escaping. In ten or twelve hours the whole may be removed, and in three or four days the eschar will separate, when the opening may be filled with peas, or any of the other substances above mentioned. The seton is used Avhen a large quantity of matter is wanted, and* especially from deep seated parts. It is frequently used in the back of the neck for diseases of the head or eyes, or betAveen tAvo of the ribs in affec- tions of the breast. When the cord, which ought to be made of threads of cotton or silk, is to be introduced, the parts at which it is to enter and pass out should be previously marked with ink; and a small part of the cord being besmeared with some mild ointment, and passed through the eye of the seton-needle, the part is to be supported by an assistant, and the needle passed fairly through, leaving a few inches of the cord hanging out. The needle is then to be removed, and the part dressed. By this method matter is produced in quantity proportioned to the degree of irritation applied; and this can be in- creased or diminished by covering the cord daily, be- fore it is draAvn, with an irritating or mild ointment. 3 E ADMONITORY HINTS TO LADIES. @ IF Ave consider but for a moment, the wonderful power which superior beauty exerts over the human breast; how instantly at sight of a lovely woman, the hearts of the young are throAvn into the most delightful palpitations ; and the looks of the aged are brightened with admiration and pleasure : Ave can no longer won- der that it should be so highly prized by the other sex. But it is to be lamented that such preposterous means should be employed to gain an end so desirable, and that real beauty should be so often mistaken. Thus, some girls faucy that beauty can.only exist in forms slender and delicate. At the very thought of be- ing corpulent, they are alarmed, and to obviate gross- ness, as they call it, they drink such quantities of vine- gar, as not only to destroy the tone of the stomach, but introduce a withered ghastly paleness. For the same purpose they continue the absurd practice of wearing oppressive jackets, or corselets ; which, by compressing the ribs, prevent the expansion of the lungs. Another imprudence, aud still more detrimental, is that of appearing at assemblies in winter, in light dress- es, exposed to the baneful effects of cold, a\ ith the ag- gravating addition of extraordinary warmth, by the fa- tigue of dancing: hence consumptions and a train of maladies, too long to be here particularly described, are produced. There are others avIio, reading of the fair skinned belles of Europe, foolishly conclude that the rose and the lily are the only colours of beauty. ADMONITORY HINTS TO LADIES. 419 Catching at this female passion for fair and unfrec- kled faces, the quacks have prepared a number of nos- trums, called cosmetics or beautifiers. These, they vauntingly profess are to heal the chaps on the lips—to, remove pimples—and freckles—and to give the coun- tenance such a fair, smooth and charming appearance, ^ as to render it impossible for any one to contemplate it without being enamoured. But unfortunately, these boasted cosmetics, instead of heightening the polish aud charm of beauty, too often contribute to tarnish and de- stroy it.* The truth is, beauty is not the creature of a quack, but the gift of nature; and to bring it to perfec- tion, nothing more is necessary than exercise, cleanli- ness, temperance and cheerfulness. These are the hand-maids of health; and health, to persons of certain symmetries and expression, is beauty. How much then is it to be deplored, that so many of our young females, should think so meanly of exercise, Avhich alone brings the female frame to perfection— paints it in the loveliest colours—and by giving rich- ness to the blood, and vigour to the nerves, disposes to habitual cheerfulness, and alike qualifies the mind for thought, and the heart for love. On the contrary, Iioav different is the female Avho leads an inactive and sedentary life, too generally looked on as proofs of a fine modern lady, which seldom fail to relax the system—retard the circulation—vitiate the blood, and obstruct the secretions. Hence, that chalky paleness of the face—-that faintness of the eyes—indi- gestion—flatulence—weak nerves—low spirits—irregu- larities of nature—and constant complainings. Yes, many a girl by constant muffling and housing herself; by dreading that the sun should ever kiss her cheeks, or the wind ruffle her tuckers ; by much in- dulgence in bed, and other imprudencies, renders her- * To such of my readers as are partial to the use of cosmetics, an infu. sion of horse-radish in milk is recommended as one of the best and safest. Another innocent preparation for'clearing the skin of pimples, and recent eruptions, is the expressed jutoe of hoiise-le.ek, mixed with an equal quan- tity of sweet milk or cream. When these fail, blistering the face all over the eruptions will often succeed in removing them. 420 MENSTRUATION. self so exceedingly pale, delicate, and puny, that her appearance is better fitted to damp love than to excite it. MENSTRUATION. One of the principal constitutional characteristics of the female, is menstruation, or the monthly evacuations peculiar to the sex. This important operation generally takes place about the age of twelve or thirteen, but varies through the world, either in degree or frequency, both from consti- tution and climate. Its returns is generally once a month ; and in robust constitutions, it continues for a shorter period, than in the more weakly. It is of importance for women to knoAV tbat occasion- al irregularities are not always the consequence of this disease. Constitutions vary as much in respect to the regular returns of this discharge, as they do Avith re- gard to its first appearance, or its final cessation. Those in whom the change occurs very early from vigour of constitution, require little to be done for them ; but in weaker and less plethoric young women, the non- ap- pearance of this evacuation is too often considered as the cause, whereas it ought to be viewed as the effect, of the state of the habit unpropitious to its taking place. And according to family practice, under this false im- pression, Avarm teas and forcing medicines are employ- ed at the approach of this disease, Avhich have often done much harm. Nature is not so defective in her OAvn judgment as to require such auxiliaries. Care should be taken so to manage the habits of their lives, as to improve the general state of their health, by attention to diet, mode- rate exercise, change of air, and cheerfulness, which will be found to have the happiest influence on the body and mincl, and gives a salutary impulse to the circu- lation of the blood, Wlie^n the habit of a young woman is full, and the complexion fair and florid, a Ioav diet, cooling cathar- tics, and bleeding, will be proper to relieve some oc 3 MENSTRUATION. 421 casional indisposition; but the same complaint must be treated differently, if the constitution be backward, the frame delicate, and the person of a melancholic tem- perament. In such cases a nourishing diet, change of air, gentle exercise, particularly riding on horseback, with strengthening medicines, as the rust or tincture of steel, or the tonic powder* in their usual doses, to- gether with the occasional use of the stimulating pur- gative pills, (see Recipe 4 and 21) to keep the boAvels in a regular state, are best calculated to assist nature. For the spasmodic pains of impeded menstruation, when the aboAe means have failed of affording suf- ficient relief, a foot bath about the temperature of the blood, may be used with advantage on the eve of men- struating. Sitting over the steam of warm water may also assist, and when these are insufficient, a grain of opium combined with six grains of camphor,. should be given at bed time. With respect to the immoderate floAV of "the menses, all women know what is its ordinary quantity and du- ration ; but they should also remember, that Avhat is to one woman a just and due proportion, Avould be to another, from the difference of constitution and temper- ament, an immoderate flow ; and before they attempt to * restrain it, let them carefully consider, what may have been the exciting or occasional cause. They are too frequently told that sucb^a situation arises from mere- debility ; and under thatpelief Avill take cordials and stimulating medicines. In general this is not the case, and by such improper treatment, the Aoav is increased. and the habit rendered feverish. In every case Avhere there are febrile symptoms, an amendment cannot take place until the antiphlogistic plan, such as bleeding, nitrous medicines, cooling ca- thartics and a low diet, with rest, are adopted. When the hemorrhage is sudden and profuse, the clothing wliich may occasion the least interruption to the free circulation of the blood should instantly be re- moved, and the patient placed in a recumbent posture, enjoying cool air. Every thing which is drank should be as cold as possible, and cloths dipped in cold vine- 422 MENSTRUATION. C gar and water, should be frequently applied to the loins and abdomen. Preparations of sugar of lead and ipe- cacuanha, (see Recipe 22) are highly important in this complaint, where the hemorrhage is profuse. When flooding has induced much debility in the sys- tem, it will be proper during the interval of menstru- ation to employ cold bathing and tonic medicines. The occasional cause should in all cases be particularly avoided, as by these means only the disease is to be prevented. A few observations in this place "on the fluor albus, or whites, may with propriety be introduced. This trou- blesome complaint, in like manner, as the preceding condition, is too often considered by the sex, as the ef- fect of general weakness in tlieir habit. They are therefore, again led to the indiscriminate use of heating and tonic medicines, as wine, bark, &c. without re- garding the habit of body or cause of the disease. Local complaints of the chronic kind are commonly unconnected Avith constitutional causes ; but by the mis- management of them, women either infect the constitu- tion Avith them, or they increase them, through having injured the general condition of the habit. It is under chronic local complaints of all kinds, even in both sexes, that so much more good may be done, by doing but little cautiously, and trusting much to time, under the secret anckpalutary agency of nature. A sick person should not therefore deem the physician's prescription trifling, as to the end desired, because it may appear in itself of little importance. A milk diet, change of air, and the partial cold bath, as sponging the loins and thighs with cold water every morning, with attention to cleanliness and proper exer- cise, and avoiding the occasional causes, are often suf- ficient to effect a permanent cure. HoAvever, in addition to this plan of treatment, Avhen the disease arises from debility, or laxity of the vessels of the parts, the bal- sam capiva, and the tonic poAvders or pills, or the rust of steel alone, in their usual doses, may be employed with the greatest advantage. PREGNANCY. 433 If the discharge shonld continue after the employ- ment of these means, a strong infusion of green tea or v oak bark, to which a little alum may be added, should be throAvn into the vagina several times a day, and the tincture of cantharides taken in some mucilaginous drink, in doses of twenty or thirty drops, thrice a day. In respect to the final cessation of the menses, it is brought about by a particular change in the condition of the womb itself, and not through any material altera- tion in the constitution. How absurd is it therefore to set up any power to act in opposition to this established law of the animal economy. With these important changes the constitution may sympathize, and be dis- composed, if improperly treated; but by the laws of nature, the general health, both before and after these local alterations, may be better, than when under the influence of menstruation, which was solely ordained for one most important function of the Avoman's life. It is true at that critical period, Avhen the discharge is, about to cease, Avhich occurs between the 40th and 50th year of a woman's age, the cessation is sometimes suc- ceeded by a determination of blood to the head, lungs, or bowels; but this is owing to their general tempera- ment, and may be easily obviated by moderate exercise, a spare diet, and the occasional use of aperient medi- cines, to keep the bowels in a laxative state, and in case she complains of violent headach or giddiness, by blood-letting. PREGNANCY. The great varieties of the female constitution occa- sion pregnancy to be to some of the sex, of no trouble or distress, through the whole period of child-bearing; but it is to others often a continual disease, they being, perhaps, from the very first week to the last of their pregnancy, more or less disturbed in their frame from the peculiar irritability of their habits. The usual pe- riod, hoAvever, that its troublesome sympathies and ariti- 424 PREGNANCY. f,' pathies prevail, is during the first month, until the time of quickening is past. In the young and healthy constitution, one of the most early symptoms of the incipient stage of pregnan- cy, is an uneasiness in the breasts, somewhat differing from what she may have been accustomed to on the eve of menstruation, and soon attended Avith some sensible addition to their natural fulness and weight, as well as Avith a particular change in the appearance of the areola, or dark circle round each nipple. The nipples also soon become more prominent, some bulbous or glandu- lar'eminences around them enlarge, and a milky fluid Avill stain the linen, which had not been at all, or so much observed before. These occurrences may justly excite in the miud, the first apprehension of pregnancy, after which, the interrupted course of menstruation ge- nerally establishes the certainty of the situation. Nature would seem, by these early notices, to put tlie mother immediately upon her guard, that she may not by imprudencies, and too much freedom, disturb the tender embryo. The most important circumstances to be attended to, in the incipient months of pregnancy, is the costive habit of the boAvels. This Avill more or less accom- pany the whole period of pregnancy. Its prevention will subdue, if not Avholly keep off, some of the trouble- some complaints of the stomach; and will often guard, most securely, against some of the exciting causes of early abortion. The complaints which occur in the early months of pregnancy, require a variety of treatment, in different circumstances. When symptoms of fulness appear in young women, formerly healthy, and accustomed to live Avell, indica- red by pain or giddiness of the head, and flushings in the face, or when the sickness is constant or excessive, moderate bleedings will be exceedingly useful. But in opposite circumstances, Avhere there is appearance of nervous delicacy, along with symptoms of indiges- tion, and consequently debilit bleeding must be care- fully avoided. In such cases, a nourishing diet, good PREGNANCY. 425 air, cheerful society, and easy exercise, are most pro- per. Bleeding, cautiously used, either to reduce a too plethoric state of the general habit, or to alleviate some morbid affection, is a salutary agent; but it is in gene- ral more frequently had recourse to in pregnancy, than it should be, upon very erroneous principles. Because a pregnant woman, though by one of the established laAvs of nature, is now obstructed, they conceive it pro- per to draw blood, that the constitution may be freed of an imaginary redundancy, not recollecting that the process of pregnancy is going on, to employ the inter- rupted menstrual fluid, to the now essential purpose of affording groAvth and support to the increasing womb itself, as well as to its contents. All the temporary benefits to be derived from blood-letting, may be most safely and permanently attained, by a due attention to the diet, and to the state of the bowels. Vegetables Avell boiled, and ripe fruits, are exceedingly proper for pregnant Avomen, subject to a costive habit. When the stomach appears affected, along Avith con- stant loathing, or frequent retchings, the offensive mat- ter should be discharged by gentle vomits of ipecacuan- ha, and the cold infusion of camomile flowers, or co- lumbo root, drank daily. If this affection is accompa- nied with a plethoric habit, or feverish disposition,, small bleedings will generally give temporary relief; and when it occurs in a constitution of the nervous irrita- ble kind, laudanum in its usual doses may be depended upon. The floodings to which Avomen are liable, at any time of pregnancy, occurs most frequently in the first months, and vary much in their character and tendency. They are more or less attended with danger, according to their frequency, and to the time of pregnancy. In the early months they will sometimes put on the ap- pearance of a copious flow of the menses, and render the sex sometimes doubtful of their situation. This Avill happen most frequently in the first and second months, and may be connected Avith the monthly pa l&G PREGNANCY. roxys.ni of the Avomb, aggravated by the existing state of pregnancy. When such hemorrhage has occurred, some injury has most likely been done to the embryo, whereby it is blighted; and about the third month of pregnancy, the patient Avill miscarry, if she does not at the time that the flooding first happens. However, by prudent management on the first alarm, such as keeping quiet and cool, by giving internally cold acidulated drinks, and by the application of a bladder with cold Avater, in Avhich some crude sal am- moniac is dissolved, or cloths Avrung out of vinegar and water, to the organ affected, the hemorrhage may be restrained, and abortion prevented. If the discharge should be attended with pain in the back, a dose of laudanum Avill put a speedy stop to the threatened dan- ger. Bleeding Avill be found of great service in ple- thoric habits, to prevent miscarriage; but when the symptoms Avhich threaten it, have already come on, it is improper. In these cases, Avomen should also be cautioned against adopting the idea, that this symptom arises from debility. Many, from this mistaken notion, have occasioned themselves to miscarry, by having recourse to the use of port Avine and bark, by Avhich they have also generally impaired their constitution, and have brought on a disposition to flooding, which has con- tinued many months. In relaxed habits, the hazard of relapse must be guarded against, by the use of tonic medicines, a nou- rishing diet, moderate exercise, and the cold bath, but not in its extreme. Sea bathing, or bathing in a vessel in the patient's room, with the Avater a little Avarm, three or four times a Aveek, is not only an excellent method to prevent miscarriages, but other disorders which are incident to pregnant women, and generally attendant upon a Aveak lax fibre. In full habits, or when there is an evident disposition to plethora, gentle evacuations, a cooling regimen, and an abstemious spare diet, are the best prophylactics. The irritable, as Avell as the plethoric Avoman, should PREGNANCY. 427 take heed in time, and guard herself against disturbing the process of conception, in its early stage, by avoid- ing the occasions of either sudden alarm, fatigue, fever, or Avhatever might derange the equable state of her health, and by attending to those means for its pre- servation, which are best suited to her particular con- stitution. Women advanced in their pregnancy, are frequently liable to pains in their back and loins, and cramps on the sides of their betly, and legs, and thighs. When they are violent, and the habit is full, small bleedings, gentle laxatives, a light spare diet, and occasional opi- ates, are the best palliatives. By caution and good management, these occurrences seldom prove any bar to a safe delivery, or a favourable getting up. Nothing can be of greater importance to a pregnant Avoman, than cheerfulness. They should therefore not be depressed, by the relation of any unpleasant intelli- gence. Some Avomen are often greatly disturbed by the account of misfortunes which have happened to others in the same situation. The impression made on a timid mind, may remain during the Avhole state of pregnancy. The general health may be thus impaired, and the approach of la- bour too much dreaded; so that both body and mind are in a less favourable state, than they Avould other- wise have been. It should be considered, that though difficult and dangerous cases now and then occur, they most commonly terminate well, if properly treated, and their number exceeding small, Avhen compared to the multitude of women who are delivered, and it is proba- ble that it Avould be still smaller, if the cautions above laid doAvn Avere properly observed. We would further caution women against having recourse to cordials, to raise their spirits Avhen Ioav. Their good effects are, at best, but temporary, Avhile they are ultimately baneful to the constitution ; and the use of a small quantity too frequently produces the ne- cessity for a larger, until both the mother and the un- born infant are injured by this pernicious practice. The 428 PREGNANCY. best cordials for loAvness of the spirits in pregnancy, are pure air, moderate exercise, and a light and cau- tious diet. There is another affection of the mind of a different character, from which lowness and hysterical indispo- sitions often arise; namely, the force of a pregnant Avomaus imagination. This is often supposed to reach the infant in the womb, and to occasion marks and other deformities. But every mother may feel confident, that Providence has better guarded the unborn innocent, than to have exposed it to injury, from every variation in the feelings of a parent. Even admitting the possi- bility of such an influence, it could only take place at a very early period after conception, Avhile the embryo is in its most tender state; and even then, it seems, in a manner secured by nature against the above accidents, by the peculiar provisions made for its defence in the Avomb. But it soon attains a sufficient degree of firm- ness to overcome any sudden or irregular impulse of the blood, from which alone such deformities, or other blemishes, could happen. The mother should, as much as possible, avoid every occasion of terror, on her own account, when any thing alarming occurs; but, let her not fear that her child Avill be marked from thence, or, still less, from some hidden operation of a disappointed longing, which most generally does not take place, until the above-mention- ed period is passed. Numberless examples could be produced to convince Avomen that the notion which most of them have, that figures of animals, or other extraordinary marks, are stamped on the face or body of the foetus in the womb, by the mere force of the Avoman's imagination, is a gross error. In every instance it will be found, where a child is marked, the supposed cause of it has never been mentioned by the mother until after its birth; and when a woman has really been alarmed during her pregnancy, and ventured to foretell that her child would be marked, she has as uniformly been delivered of her PROGRESS OF LABOUR. 43(J fears and her child together, for her prediction has never been Aerified.* PROGRESS OF LABOUR. When a woman, after a preceding day of ease and unusual activity, about the full period of her reckoning, begins to feel some restlessness about her, Avith occa- sional pains in her loins and sides ; if she further per- ceive, that the bulk of the belly has fallen, that the motion of the child has not been, for some time, so sen- sibly and frequently felt, and that she has a nervous hurry of the spirits upon her, with a feverish glow of heat, she may then conclude, that nature feels an incli- nation to prepare her for the termination of her preg nancy. Some persons are disposed, at this time, to a laxity of the boAvels, Avhich is by no means an unfavourable symptom; and, in very costive habits, if nature should 4iot relieve herself, it Avill be advisable to take some * Dr. Moore, in his Medical Sketches, relates a case so strongly in point, attended with such singular circumstances, that it is worth mentioning here. " A lady who had a great aversion to monkies, happened unfortunately, during the course of her pregnancy, to visit in a family where one of those animals was the chief favourite; on being showed into a room, she seated herself on a chair which stood before a table, upon which this favourite was already placed. Ife, not naturally of a reserved disposition, and rendered more petulant and wanton by long indulgence, suddenly jumped on the lady's shoulders. She was terrified, and screamed; but, on perceiving who had treated her with such indecent familiarity, she actually fainted : and through the remaining course of her pregnancy, she had tlie most painful conviction that her child would be deformed by some shocking feature, or perhaps the whole countenance, of this odious monkey. " The pangs of labour did not overcome this impression ; for in the midst of her pains, she often lamented the fate of her unfortunate child, who was doomed, through life, to carry about a human soul in the body of an ape. When the child was born, she called to the midwife with a lamen- table voice, for a sight of her unfortunate offspring, and was equally pleased and surprised when she received a fine boy into her arms. After having en, joyed for a few minutes, all the rapture of this change from pain and misery to case and happiness, her pains returned, and the midwife informed her that there was still another child. " Another!" exclaimed she, " then it is as I have dreaded, and this must be the monkey after all!" She was, however, once more happily undeceived; the second was as fine a boy as the first." 430 PROGRESS OF LABOUR. gentle aperient medicine, to bring about that which is unquestionably favourable on the eve of every, but par- ticularly the first, labour. Premature labour is sometimes threatened by pains, which produce, for a while, some real change in the Avomb, sufficient even to give the practitioner just rea- son to expect, that they will terminate in delivery. But things again recover their pristine state; the alarm of nature subsides, and the woman proceeds in her pregnancy, for several days longer, and sometimes for several weeks. As the change in the Avomb, above-mentioned, does certainly occur, even on a false alarm, it should put young and female practitioners on their guard, lest they promote labour too hastily, either by general treat- ment, or any manual operation; for these would only fruitlessly tease the patient, when the judicious exhi- bition of an anodyne would do every thing that can be wished for. When, in consequence of irregular or premature pains, the membranes containing the waters with which tlie child is surrounded, have been broken before labour lias really commenced, it must be expected soon to take place; though, if the pains should have entirely ceased, on the discharge of the waters, it may be delayed for some days ; but it most frequently happens within twen- ty-four hours. There is nothing in this circumstance alarming. It may occasion the first part of labour to be more sIoav, but not in any degree less safe in the end. It arises Avholly from the fineness of the mem- branes, which contain the waters, and which must rup- ture in every labour, at some period or other; and hence the Avaters are sometimes unexpectedly dischar- ged, in a sudden manner, without the least preceding pain. In a slow labour, especially if it be the first, part of the time, commonly spent in the lying-in apartment, might Avith more propriety be passed in the usual do- mestic habits. It would serve to lessen the too anxious expectation of a speedy delivery, as well as to prevent the impatience of the attendants, both of Avhich are often PROGRESS OF LABOUR. 441 improperly indulged. In the mean while, the apart- ment may be properly prepared, and the patient had better not go into it, until that necessary bustle is over. Some attention is also requisite, as to the manner of preparing the bed. The mattress should ahvays be placed uppermost, especially in summer, and the neces- sary apparatus and covering so arranged, that the pa- tient may not require to be taken off the bed, after her delivery, which is often exceedingly improper, and, in- deed, sometimes impracticable; not to mention the fa- tigue it always occasions, even when it may be done safely, as to other particulars. Little things are often of great importance, and are sometimes found to be so, when it is too late. Women should so prepare their dress, against the time of labour, that it may not be necessary to disturb them, soon after delivery, by a change of apparel. When this is properly managed, they avoid an un- seasonable fatigue, and the hazard arising from linen wliich may not have been cautiously aired. A sensible Avoman should ahvays consider, that, in a slow labour, she may be afflicted Avith many distress- ing, and Avhat have been called false, or spurious, pains; but there are very few by Avhich nature does not mean some good in the end. She must therefore give her mind to patience, as all unnecessary interference would rather retard, than assist the labour, and will only be employed by the designing and unskilful. Labours vary considerably in respect to duration. The first, if at the full period of gestation, is generally much the slowest, for very evident reasons, which oc- cur on that occasion only. But any subsequent labour may be tedious, from circumstances of a peculiar na- ture, but equally safe, Avith respect to the conclusion, as those of ordinary rapidity, provided no interference be used, and nature be left to the secure, though sIoav, ac complishinent of her object. When a woman, in her first labour, is Avithin an hour or two of her delivery, she ought, on no ac- count, to be restless, or violent in her exertions, Avhich many are very apt to be, when the conclusion of the 43& PROGRESS A)F LABOUR. labour draws near. It is then that the practitioner is to guard against the serious consequences, Avhich have sometimes attended the violence and hurry of a pa- tient. More good will be derived from prudently de- laying, than from hastening, the birth of the child, especially if it be the first, and this, even though the powers of nature herself may seem more than equal to the delivery. For this, and other reasons, which Avill presently be mentioned, it is also proper that such means should be used, as Avill prevent any part of the child being born into the Avorld in too sudden a manner. We Avill hoav suppose the woman is just safely de- livered of her child, and that a complete cessation of the regular pains has folloAved. She must iioav en- deavour to calm that disturbance of the Avhole frame, Avhich, added to her anxiety of mind before delivery, had excited a great degree of heat and perspiration, especially if it should have been her first labour, or one attended with some unusual difficulty. In this state, she must not let herself chill, or cool too fast. It may, perhaps, have been necessary to throw off the bed clothes, during the last hour or two: if so, they should, immediately on the birth of the child, be lightly placed over her again. She may noAV moisten her mouth Avith a cup of tea, grit gruel, or barley Avater, for either of Avhich she will feel desirous, if she has not been taking frequently of one or the other, during the latter part of her labour: but they must be given her Avithout Avine or brandy. If she feels herself disposed to-sleep, she should indulge it: at all events, she should keep herself quiet, and not encourage conversation. For it may be observed, that in general, the mind of a woman newly delivered of her first child, is so occu- pied with the novelty, as Avell as the anxiety, of her situation, that her attention is too long kept alive, and therefore she can scarcely sleep, though exhausted by the fatigue of her labour. The midwife must now carefully attend to the degree, and force of contraction, which the womb is disposed to take on, immediately or soon after the birth of the in- Progress of labour. 433 fant. The experienced practitioner will indeed have a presentiment, even while it is coming into the world, of what is likely to take p* j,ce afterwards, from the man- ner in Avhich the expulsion of the infant is completed. This should be effected slowly, even after the head is born, because such a practice favours that kind action of the Avomb, necessary to detach the placenta, which a contrary method will interrupt; and, we have no doubt, has often been the cause of its being, Avith difficulty, brought away. Premature, or active endeavours to loosen it, must, however, be avoided, if its separation should not readily take place, by the seasonable con traction of the womb. Let the operations of nature be watched, and she will prove the surest guide, though, in this part of the delivery, she ought never to be av hol- ly depended on. The loss of blood, naturally consequent to the birth of a child, varies exceedingly in different women, and even in the same Avomen in different labours. On some occasions it is very trifling, and on others, considerable; and the variation may either depend upon constitutional predisposition, or be occasioned by the peculiar attach- ment of the placenta to the womb. In some it will partly precede the descent of it, and in others, will wholly take place after it, though not immediately. It cannot happen to excess before the delivery of the af- ter-burthen, but from some peculiarity of circumstances, provided proper attention be paid in time, to favour the first endeavours of nature to throw it off. The skilful practitioner, however, may know that it is safe, and yet not think it proper to bring it away immediately. A woman should, therefore, avoid expressing any impa- tience about it, as this might induce some practitioners to use that despatch which is not altogether consistent with their opinion ; as. many, from Avant of firmness in their own judgment, have done, that the patient, or her friends, might not have it afterwards to observe, that they were a long while in bringing away the after- burthen. This kind of censure is too frequently passed upon the just conduct of the midAvife, from the improper pre- 431 PROGRESS OF LABOUR. judice, so often indulged, in favour of a speedy delivery of the placenta. Women are too apt to deem that prac- titioner most skilful, who is the shortest time in finishing that part of a labour. Fatal, therefore, have some- times been the consequences of this ill-judged manage- ment, particularly among female practitioners. The placenta, when it is at the command of the midAvife, is sometimes a means of preventing that flooding which ahvays excites a considerable degree of alarm in the lying-in room, and is certainly increased by the terror of the patient. It is a mistaken idea, that, in general, some external mechanical force is necessary, in order to expel the placenta. We cannot, therefore, approve of the modes, occasionally recommended, of coughing, sneezing, blow- ing on the back of the hand, or making general pres- sure over the belly, with a view of helping its descent, by any kind of tight bandage applied to the abdomen, immediately after the birth of the child. The tender uterus may suffer from this pressure ; nor is it of mo- ment, as to the effect it might have, either of disposing it to contract, or of supporting the viscera, Avhich are not, as some suppose, relaxed, but only the parts of the abdomen containing them. We generally find that the womb has of itself contracted, in a favourable manner, Avhen there has not been any very sudden, or hurried, delivery of the infant. Neither can pressure be neces- sary, as some have lately asserted, to prevent the immo- derate expansion of an elastic vapour in the intestines. from the sudden change in the bulk of the womb dimin- ishing the volume of the contents of the abdomen. The position, to whicr a woman generally inclines, soon af- ter her delivery, of itself supports the belly. If any thing further is Avanted, a pilloAV placed before her will be sufficient, against which the patient may rest Avith that degree of pressure, Avhich will feel agreeable to her. There is also a general action of the hand on the abdomen, Avhich the patient herself may perform, and by Avhich the uterus is tenderly excited to contract, and the placenta of course detached, in the mostfaAourable PROGRESS OF LABOUR. 435 manner, that will be found more useful than a bandage. or any extraordinary exertions of the patient, for this purpose. But as this may not be necessary in every case, it must be left to the judgment of the practitioner to direct, with the proper cautions to be observed in the application. We would further observe, that there can hardly ever be occasion for a woman to bear doAvn, during the delivery of the placenta. Indeed, on many occa- sions, it must carefully be avoided, lest it should pro- duce, or increase, a disposition to the prolapsus uteri. The throes, which take place naturally, are caused by the contractions of the Avomb, and with then alone the practitioner can generally, in due season safely bring it aAvay. They are most seasonable, Avhrn they quick- ly follow the birth of the child. We do not approve of a free and indiscriminate use of greasy applications, in the progress of a tedious la- bour. They are Avholly unnecessary in the first stage of it, and in the latter part they interfere Avith the changes, which then take place naturally, and produce that mucous secretion, by which the parts are most fa- vourably lubricated, for the easyHermination of the la- bour. But, after the complete removal of the placenta, it will be proper to apply a small quantity of mild po- matum, or fresh lard, to defend the parts from the acri mony of the ensuing discharges. Women will sometimes be liable, from peculiar irri-, tability of habit, to some degree of faintness after de- livery, most commonly after the coming aAvay of the placenta; but they may comfort themselves with know- ing, that it is not always caused by too gr~it a loss of blood. It is generally occasioned hy uterine pains, and, though the patient may be faint, and even pale, the pulse will continue to be felt the whole time. On recovering from the swoon, they are able to recollect, that some degree of after-pain had immediately prece- ded the faintness. Under these circumstances, it would be proper to take a cup of milk-Avarm gruel, with a lit- tle wine and nutmeg, unless they have taken a sufficient quantity of proper nourishment since the birth of the 436 PROGRESS OF LABOUR. child ; for they should avoid overloading the stomach, as a nausea from fulness will sometimes occasion faint- ness. When this circumstance has occurred, and has been removed by the above treatment, it will be still prudent to indulge themselves longer than usual, before they undergo the bustle of being settled in bed; and if they have really had rather a free discharge of blood, it Avould be adviseable, that they be as little as possible disturbed, for several hours, and not raised to an erect position of the body, until they feel sensible they are quite revived. If hemorrhage alone should cause the faintness, then cloths wetted with cold vinegar and Avater, must be frequently applied over the surface of the belly. A more effectual remedy, when the hemorrhage is alarmingly profuse, is to pour cold water out of a pitcher from a height on the abdomen. This scarcely ever fails to check the effusion. " Cloths wrung out of cold vinegar may also be applied to the vagina. Air should be admitted freely into the chamber, if the syncope is very gqeat; some cool light nourishment should be given, and great quiet observed for a length of time : but it will be proper not to take cordials, or warm liquids, at first. The occasional return of ute- rine pains, under these distressing appearances, may afford consolation to the practitioner, and to the alarmed friends of the patient. If these general rules are observed, especially if a medical gentleman is not in attendance, they will pro- bably prevent immediate danger, and in time recover the patient. The restoration of the circulation will be denoted, by the return of tlie pulsation at the Avrist. But it Avill ahvays be proper to call in medical assist- ance immediately, when the above alarming circum- stanpes occur. MANAGEMENT OF CHILD-BED. 437 MANAGEMENT OF CHILD BED. A child-bed Avoman, as soon as all the circumstances of her labour have been adjusted, may with propriety consider herself as still in a state of health, and as re- quiring little more than the common cautions, and good management on all occasions necessary to preserve it. The first hours after delivery, provided some light nourishment has been taken, should be dedicated to quiet and sleep, and no persons should be allowed to enter the patient's chamber, except such as are abso- lutely necessary. A number of people, besides preventing repose, foul the air, and render a frequent supply necessary. The chamber door, and even the windows, if the Aveather be warm, should be opened every day, and the room in every respect kept as clean, and as free from any disa- greeable smell, as any other part of the house. The patient should often be supplied Avith clean linen, Avell aired; for cleanliness, and free, pure air, are essential in this situation; and upon the strictest examination it appears, that there never was a miliary eruption produced without a sweat, nor a puerperal fe- ver Avithout either foul air, an accumulation of excre- ment in the intestines, or confinement of the patient to a horizontal position, thereby occasioning a stagnation and absorption of acrid matter, except in cases Avhere violence had been used in the delivery of the child or the placenta. The heat of the room ought to be so tempered that the patient may neither be chilled with cold, nor yet suffer from SAveat or burning. The strictest attention should be observed to have an evacuation daily by the use, if necessary, of mild laxa- tives, or by the exhibition of glysters composed of milk, oil and sugar, or of soap suds. It is a security against fever and inflammation; and even forms one principal mode of relief, a\ hen they are already affected with either the one or the other. An equal regard should also be paid to get out of the bed as soon as they can 438 MANAGEMENT OF CHILD-BED. Avith propriety, and to sit up as long as possible, with- out fatiguing themselves. If the lochia do not Aoav so plentifully as may be expected, or if they entirely stop, no irritating or for- cing medicines should be used. They never do any good, and are often productive of much mischief. If the patient be otherwise as well as can be wished, no regard need he paid to this circumstance. We not only find this evacuation very different in different wo- men, but even in the same woman in different lyings-in, from Avhich she recovers equally well. Much mischief is often done by binding the belly too tight. If there be any occasion for support, a thin napkin pinned very slightly round the waist, is all that is absolutely necessary, and the sooner this is disused the better. But little change takes place in the breasts, after the first months of pregnancy, until about the second day after delivery. Then it is usual to feel a greater sen- sation of fulness in them, accompanied with a febrile irritation, which varies in different women, according to constitution and management; but in all is favour- ed hy temperance, a cool regimen, and composure of mind. The child should always be put to the breasts early, before the milk can have stagnated in them, or they can have acquired any great degree of hardness. It will be beneficial both to the mother and child, if this be done in a few hours after delivery; and this is most consistent with the operations of nature. If the patient have not nursed any former child, the infant will probably meet with difficulties in fastening on the nipples. In this case some older infant should be applied, or it will be proper to have them drawn by some other means, Avithout giving pain. If the breasts groAV knotty, they should be gently rubbed twice or thrice a day with a soft hand, moistened Avith sAveet oil, or the volatile liniment (see Recipe 64.) If they become inflamed and hard, a poultice made with the crumbs of bread and lead water, and applied nearly cold upon the part affected, and renewed every four or MANAGEMENT OF CHILD-BED. 439 five hours, will generally remove the complaint in a short time. Should this treatment not succeed in twen- ty-four hours, the application of leeches and the exhi- bition of the cathartic mixture, (see Recipe 11) will probably be attended with advantage. If, notwithstanding these, suppuration should ad- vance, warm bread and milk, or flax-seed poultices, must be frequently applied over the part, until the ab- scess breaks, after which they may be employed twice a day, observing at each dressing, to carefully press the matter from the wound. As soon as the matter ceases to discharge, the sore may be healed with Tur- ner's cerate, (see Recipe 71) or some mild ointment spread thin on soft lint. During the inflammatory state of the breast, the child must suckle entirely at the other breast, by which the blood will be diverted to it in greater quantity, and the impulse of the circulation at the inflamed part will be in consequence diminished. The practice of covering the breasts Avith flannel, or too many clothes, is a frequent cause of their be- coming inflamed; as, from the heat and perspiration they are thereby kept in, they are much more liable to receive cold from the exposure of the chest in put- ting the child to suck, whatever precaution may be ta- ken to avoid it. To prevent the nipples from becoming sore, they should be washed daily during the last month of preg- nancy with brandy or port wine, to harden their tender surface; but Avhen they become inflamed, or chapt, the use of those astringent applications must be discon- tinued. The best application to them, when ulcerations are formed, and attended with a sharp acrimonious humour, is a strong mucilage of gum arabic, or they should be often washed with quince, or flax-seeds. Thick rings made of beeswax, and fitted very exactly to the nipples, are often preventive of sores, by keeping the nipples elongated. They should be applied im- mediately after the child has finished its suction, and be put on so that the ends of the nipples may protrude 440 MANAGEMENT OF CHILD-BED. themselves through them. These rings, however, ought not to be used, when the milk runs out in too great quantities. If the woman do not suckle her child, no method should be used either to repel the milk or invite it into the breast. Nature will be certain to do her part. She is soon made sensible, that the blood determined to them is not wanted, and there will therefore be very lit- tle further effort made on her part to continue it, and it will in the course of a short time cease of itself. A cooling cathartic, with a suitable regimen, will entirely supercede the necessity of any local treatment, and is all that can be required, even when a mother has suck- led before. No degree of fever in child-bed should be passed over unattended to, or be thought lightly of. Even the most serious are often slight at their beginning. Nei- ther should any local pain, or tenderness, or fulness of the bowels be neglected, lest they should arise from the incipient state of some inflammation, which, if not checked at first, by proper medicines and suitable regi. men, might, in a short time, put on some alarming ap- pearance. Let it be remembered, that it is much easier to prevent diseases than to cure them. It will, however, be proper, to prevent unnecessary alarm, .to notice that the milk fever, which comes on about the second or third day, is not daugerous, and that it will not return a second time, if the cathartic mixture (see Recipe 11) be administered to open the boAvels, and a cooling regimen observed. It may also be very necessary here to point out the difference between the pains Avhich sometimes happen to women under puerperal confinement. Those which take place soon after labour, unattend- ed with fever, and affect principally the back and loins, are not dangerous, and will readily give way to a dose of laudanum. But the pains confined to the belly, at- tended with tenderness on pressure, and are more or less accompanied with fever, indicate that some local inflammation lias taken place, and the suitable remedies to subdue it cannot be too early employed. MISSING PAGES p. 441 - 444 MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. 445 We have already observed in this chapter, that a warm regimen, and foul stagnated air, are the causes of miliary, puerperal fevers. It is therefore obvious, in order to tlieir cure, that cleanliness, cold acidulated drinks, and a free and even cold air be strictly enjoined. In the beginning of these fevers, blood-letting is sel- dom adviseable, as they soon put on the form of putrid- ity, and require the same mode of treatment as re- commended for the cure of the nervous or putrid fever, unless the pulse is much excited, accompanied with other symptoms of violent action, in Avhich case, the depleting system should be pursued. MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. As soon as a child is born, it is proper to moisten the head and chest with a little brandy, Avhich is all that is necessary, until the navel string is tied. In general, there is more impatience sIioavu by the attendants, than is prudent, in respect to tying the navel string, and removing the infant from the bed. It is al- Avays proper to let the pulsation in the cord entirely cease, before this is done, unless the child has previously cried. In order to tie the cord as it ought to be, two ligatures Avill be necessary, wliich should be formed of such, a number of threads, knotted together at each end, that in tying firmly with them, there may be no danger of dividing the navel string. And, as soon as the circula- tion in the umbilical cord is stopped, one of them is to be applied about three or four fingers breadth from the navel, and the other about two inches from the first, on that side next the placenta, and then divide the cord behveen them. In respect to the first washing of the infant, nurses are sometimes at a loss how to proceed. It is most frequently born so clean, that much washing is not ne- cessary. A little soap is recommended to be used Avith the first water, to wliich it is proper to add a spoonful or hvo of brandy or rum. The water need not be more 3 ii 416 MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. than milk warm, and the head of the child should be washed first. The infant is sometimes born with a cheesy mucus on its skin, which is most in quantity at the bendings of the limbs and back. It will be more readily remo- ved, with the assistance of a little soft pomatum or SAveet lard. It is adviseable not to remove the whole of it, at the first Avashing. The remainder will be more easily taken off the next day, when the child may again be Avashed all over Avith some warm water and spirit. But this is only to be used a second time, when this cheesy mucus has been in so great a quantity, that it requires more time to get it off, than can with propriety be employed at the first Avashing. For the regular daily Avashing, only cold -water should be used, Avith which the child should be washed all over, beginning Avith the head. It should be finish- ed as expeditiously as possible. The infant should be afterwards well dried, and particularly at the bend- ings of all the extremities, and the whole body and limbs should be gently rubbed Avith dry soft linen or flannel, until a glow of Avarmth appears upon the skin. It is the manner of washing a child that secures it from suffering from the application of cold Avater. The more delicate and weakly an infahl is born, the more will cold water strengthen it, if well applied ; and, be- sides its bracing qualities, it willy' by cleanliness, pre- vent excoriations^ and keep off that troublesome com- plaint, termed the scald head. When the application of cold water has been omitted for some days, it will be better to begin Avith the addi- tion of some brandy to the Avater, lessening the quantity of it gradually, so as to leave it. off entirely in a few days. When children are a feAV months old, cold bathing may be substituted in the room of washms Avith cold water -. and it may be proper here to add some direc- tions, respecting the mode of dipping a child in cold water. Of these, the principal is, carefully to watch for that moment when it has taken in a full breath, and then to plunge it into the Avater, and take it out instant- MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. 447 ly, so that no part of the action of respiration may be necessary, during the time of submersion. The child will then breathe freely on being taken out of the Ava- ter, and suffer little or none of that agitation, Avhich of- ten defeats the intention of the practice, and produces a terror when it is to be repeated. The next article to be noticed, in the management of the new-born infant, is its dress. Very improper me- thods are often taken, even from the birth, to strengthen the apparent weakness or a young child, such as the practice of tight rolling, by which means the circula- tion of the blood is impeded, and the action of the ab- dominal muscles hindered from properly performing their offices. If it is wished to have them strong upon their limbs, and properly active, early in life, as by nature they are intended to be, they should have the perfect freedom of their limbs, and their bodies easy, from the first day of their birth. Their clothes should therefore be reasonably loose upon them, and not too great in quantity, although properly proportioned to the nature and variableness of the weather. The quantity of an infantas bed covering should also be appropriate to the season of the year. Children should not be used to too much. If this article is not judiciously managed, as they grow up, they will be apt to perspire in bed, the consequence of which is, that they take cold, by throAving off the clothes, or they are weak- ened in spite of cold bathing, by the relaxing effects of heat and moisture. With respect to the proper manner of purging the neAV-born infant, the first thing commonly given by nurses, is butter and sugar mixed, Avhich has often been detrimental by promoting acidity in the bowels. If the infant, after being completely dressed, is appa- rently quite easy, it should be laid down to sleep, Avith- out taking any thing. And after a few hours, it may be applied to the mother's breast, whose milk is not only opening, but has the effect of promoting the natu- ral action of the intestinal canal. However, if the in- fant appears to be loaded Avith phlegm, a little well- 448 MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. * made plain grit gruel should be given immediately, and Avhen this or its natural food, the milk, is not found suf- ficient to expel the meconium or first black stools, and the child appears to be indisposed, a tea-spoonful of good castor oil may with propriety be given. As most of the infantile indispositions arise from overloading tlieir stomachs, it is of great importance to pay due attention to the feeding of them. Nature has pointed out that the mother's milk is the most suitable nourishment for the child ; bui flyen of this their sto- machs may be gorged. The mother Avould do justice to herself and child, if she would not accustom it to suck in the night after go- ing to rest. Good habits are early and easily acquired Avith infants. When the child is to be brought up by the hand, considerable judgment is uecessary, to proportion the quantity of food to its age and strength. Weakly chil- dren Avill ahvays require less food, than those who .are stronger, for they are less able to digest it. They are frequently attacked with alarming and even fatal convulsions, from their bowels being Over-loaded. Un- der all circumstances, if the food is too thick, or given in too great a quantity, the perfect digestion of it is pre- vented. When the infant cannot obtain the milk of the mo- ther, or that of a healthy woman who laid in about the same time, the best food, for several months at least, is goat's milk, ass's milk, or cow's milk alone, or mixed with an equal quantity of well-boiled grit gruel or ar- row root. If the child's boAvels be in a laxative state, the milk may be boiled; but otherwise, it had better be given freshly draAvn from the animal, or slightly Avarmed. It is not necessary to feed a child oftener than five or six times in twenty-four hours, and the less it is fed in the night the better. It is a most ridiculous error to suppose, that Avhenever a child cries, it wants victuals, and thus to be constantly feeding it both day and night. If the child's wants and motions be judiciously attended to, it Avill be found, that it seldom cries, but from pain : TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 41'9 and if it be properly nursed, and quite easy in its dress, it will rarely cry at all. Nurses should be particularly cautioned not to lay a child on its back when fed. In the posture of sitting, it swallows its food more easily, and more readily feels when it has enough. As the child advances in age, and its strength in- creases, weak broths with a little barley, rice, or hard biscuit boiled in them, may be allowed. Without a proper degree of exercise in the pure air, our attention in clothing and feeding infants, will not succeed to our wishes. It is therefore of great import- ance, both to the population of the country, as well as the health of the inhabitants, that parents should atten- tively consider, that the more children are exposed to the open air, within prudent bounds, the hardier they grow, and the less they are subject to take cold. In the first period of infancy, the exercise should be very gentle, and afterwards increased, as the strength of the infant increases; and that will always be best, which, at the same time it gives motion to the body, ap- pears to divert and entertain the mind. Independent of those means already described, to ensure the health of children, and preserve the human species, Ave must have an equal regard to the disposi- tions of children. It must be remembered, that on the treatment the child receives from his parents during this stage, Avill perhaps depend much of his misery or hap- piness, not only in his passage through this, but through the other stages of his existence. If, on the one hand, every little sally of passion and impatience is immediately controlled ; if that which is admissable is regularly permitted, and that which is improper, as regularly withheld, the little creature will soon learn to distinguish that which is allowed, from that Avhich is prohibited. He will indeed urge his claim, for that Avhich he has been taught he has a right to ; but will not harass himself and his attendants with ceaseless winnings, or raving to obtain that which uni- form prohibition has placed beyond expectance. But a melancholy reverse appears, if on tlie one hand no consistency is observed in his management; if at one 450 DISEASES OF INFANTS. time, the slightest indulgence is refused, and at another the most extravagant, and even injurious cravings are gratified ; the child becomes more and more fretful, till at length he manifests such ill nature, as to render him odious to all around him, and sooner or later the poor little sufferer pays with his life the purchase of his early indulgences. DISEASES OF INFANTS REQUIRING EX- TERNAL TREATMENT. In this chapter, we will make a few observations on those diseases to which the newly born infant is liable, from the circumstances incidental to its birth, and Avhich require principally external treatment. The head and face of a child after a difficult labour, or from an unfavourable presentation of the face, will sometimes be very much swelled. It will commonly subside in a short time. But when a tumor remains on any part of the head, it must be bathed several times a day with brandy alone or mixed with vinegar, which will soon disperse it. The scrotum will also sometimes be remarkably tu- mid, and even discoloured, particularly when a child has been born by the breech presentation. In this case it Avill be proper to suspend it by a cloth, after first co- vering it with a piece of linen, Avetted with brandy, Avhich should be frequently renewed. When an infant is born, with no other sign of anima- tion than a Aveak pulsation of the heart, and the arteries of the navel string, Ave must endeavour to rouse the circulation by frequent applications of warm cloths, and by rubbing the nostrils, temples, and extremities, with spirits or volatiles. A table-spoonful of brandy must be poured on the child's breast, and if possible a little of it should be SAvallowed. Stools should also be pro- cured by glysters, or by giving a dose of castor oil. Infants are born Avith a thin membrane under their tongue, called the froznum, Avhich is sometimes so broad DISEASES OF INFANTS. 451 as to require dividing, in order to give freedom to the tip, and to allow the child to take proper hold of the nipples in sucking. It is easily divided by a sharp pair of scissors, and the operation can never be attended Avith any inconvenience, or hemorrhage, if it be done Avith proper caution. The infant generally has an evacuation from the bowels soon after birth. If, however, any length of time should have elapsed without one, it will be proper to examine the fundament, which is sometimes imper- forated, so that the meconium cannot be voided. This case can only be relieved by a surgical operation, by which the natural passage is opened, and afterward se- cured from closing again by the introduction of the bougee. The vagina of the female is also sometimes imper- forated. Parents should therefore carefully examine the infant, that it may not grow up with a defect, which at a certain period of life, must inevitably prove trou- blesome, and which, at last, will require an operation to relieve. When a child suffers from a retention of urine, it should immediately.be inquired into, whether the orifice of the urethra be pervious. This obstruction is more rarely met with in the female than the male* If it be found closed, the skill of the surgeon is required. Some- times an infant will be very long, perhaps a day or two, before it voids the urine, where no defect or ob struction is to be seen. It will then be proper to rub the belly Avith some warm brandy mixed with a little • oil. Some have recommended it to be rubbed with an onion. Whichever be used, it is adviseable immediate-. ly afterwards to apply to the belly a bladder half filled with scalded bran, or camomile flowers, or hot Avater ; and lest, by* some accident it should burst, it will be proper to enclose it in a second bladder. A glystef of thin gruel, with a little oil, should be given, and if necessary, a tea-spoonful of castor oil may be swalloAV- ed. If the child is in considerable pain, a few drops of laudanum may with propriety he added to the glys- TPl\ 452 DISEASES OF INFANTS. The breasts of infants will often enlarge considera- bly, within two or three days after they are born. The vulgar notion of nurses, respecting the cause of this appearance, is the occasion of much bad manage- ment. They become tumid, and appear to contain something like milk; and they have therefore often been rubbed and squeezed with a roughness amount- ing to cruelty. If the pressure of the clothes is avoid- ed by their being put on loosely, it will go off gradually without any application; but in case of much inflamma- tion, equal parts of brandy and vinegar must be applied cold by means of soft linen, or poultices of the crumbs of bread and lead water or milk, should be employed for its resolution. Many mothers will make themselves uneasy about the falling off of the navel string. This generally happens about the fourth or fifth day, but often ear- lier, and sometimes much later. When it separates, the nurse need only apply a piece of linen rag, scorch- ed. If there should be more than usual tenderness, it may be proper also to sprinkle it with a little pre- pared chalk, or starch. In some instances, there is a discharge, and the part continues raAV, and then it will be proper to apply three or four pieces of a soft cabbage leaf, laid one over another, that they may be preserved moist and cool, and continued as long as the discharge may be considerable. The bleeding which sometimes happens at the navel, is of such little consequence, that a light compress, with some gentle styptic, and secured • by a sticking plaster or bandage, soon removes it. The soreness, Avhen considerable, may require a milk and bread poultice, and the exhibition of some mild laxative medicine. Infants are sometimes very early troubled with her- nial affections; and when they happen in the groin, all that can be done, is to bathe the part occasionally with brandy, keep the body open, use the cold bath, and prevent the child from crying as much as possible. Rupture of the navel has already been treated of, in the preceding part of this work, under the head of ruptures- DISEASES OF INFANTS. 449 There will often appear in the scrotum of infants, at birth, a turgescence, which has been called the ivatery rupture. Of this it is proper that parents and nurses should be aware, that it may not be mistaken for the true rupture. From this it,will be readily distinguish- ed by its transparency, and by its not becoming larger when the infant cries. It will generally be cured by compresses moistened Avith vinegar and Avater, Avith the addition of as much brandy as the skin is able to bear. But the best method is to puncture, the bottom of the tumor with the point of a lancet, which is attended with very little pain, and soon effects a cure. Another little complaint like the Avatery rupture, is tumefaction of the prepuce, which also arises from ex- tra vasated Avater, and is a partial dropsy of the skin. The complaint will be removed in a feAV days, by Avashing the part frequently Avith lead Avater, or by ap- plying a poultice made Avith it and the crumbs of bread, and by keeping the boAvels open. An inflammation will sometimes attack the eyes of children soon after birth, Avhich has been usually attri- buted to cold; hoAvever, that is not the cause. A slight case Avill do well by keeping the eyes clean, and Avashing very frequently with cold Avater. If the eye- lids should stick together Avhen the infant sleeps, it will be prudent to apply a very small quantity of sAveet oil, fresh butter, or lard, to their edges. When the in- flammation is considerable, a blister to the nape of the neck, and the occasional use of the cathartic mixture, (Recipe 11) in doses of a tea-spoonful every hour or two, to keep the bowels in a laxative state, are proper. The inflammation termed galling, which so frequent- ly occurs in the groin. betAveen the legs, and on the neck of an infant, evidently arises from inattention to cleanli- ness, and from the use of coarse or neAV pilches.* The cure will easily be effected by washing the parts often in cold water, and after being wiped dry, * If children were attentively lieid over a pan from the month, \{ would be found that they are more cleanly ihan people suppose, and would super- cede altogether the use of cloths, either by night or day. 3 I *450 DISEASES OF INFANTS dusting them Avith prepared chalk, or starch. If tlie excoriations are situated about the genitals, it may also be proper to apply a thick mucilage of gum arabic, or to cover the part with a little fresh saturnine or simple cerate, to defend it from the action of the urine. Blight ulcerations behind the ears of infants are also very common, and only require to be Avashed daily* with cold Avater, and covered with a singed rag to keep the cap from sticking to them. They are sometimes beneficial, especially during bowel complaints, or teethi- ing; and Avill get well and break out again into very foul sores several times, Avithout any cause for alarm. HoAvever, when these sores become extensive and painful, it will be proper to apply a blister on the nape of the neck, to draw off the heated serum, and to give, hoav and then, a feAV grains of magnesia and rhubarb, or the absorbent and aperient mixture (see Recipe 9). The sores should also be Avell washed with castile soap and Avater, and dressed Avith an ointment compo- sed of one drachm of calomel and one ounce of the sim- ple cerate mixed Avelj. together, and spread on each side of a double linen cloth; which must be applied twice a day, DISEASES OF CHILDREN REQUIRING MEDICAL TREATMENT. Before Ave proceed to the consideration of those dis- orders requiring medical treatment, it may be proper to give a hint in regard to the doses of medicine. In pre- scribing for children, the chief difficulty lies in fixing the appropriate dose; and hence medicines more fre- quently fail with them, or are over-dosed, than Avith the adult. As a direction, therefore, it is proper to exa- mine in a general manner, the proportions fit for this early period of life. Thus seven years require half the dose of an adult- Three years................the fourth. One year.....................the sixth. One month..................the tenth. With these proportions in view, where no peculiarity INFANTILE JAUNDICE—SNUFFLES. 451 of constitution exists, the doses stated Avill generally succeed. INFANTILE JAUNDICE. That yelloAv -colour of the skin, Avhich is observed in some infants a day or tAvo after birth, arises from vis cid matter affecting tlie gall-ducts; and is readily re moved by the exhibition of three or four grains of ipe- cacuauha, or a feAV drops of antimonial Avine, to excite vomiting, and by keeping the boAvels open by the occa- sional use of the absorbent and aperient mixture (see Recipe 9), or a watery infusion of rhubarb. Should the symptoms coutinue, the emetic ought to be repeated after two or three days, and the above mixture or rhu- barb given every other day. SNUFFLES. This term is given to a disease, which generally affects children within the month, and most common- ly in the first or second week, on account of the noise made in respiration. The discharge is much more abundant than that Avhich attends common cold. It is, from the first, purulent and thick; and afterwards turns thin. Children afflicted Avith this malady are ahvays of a weakly, unhealthy habit; and though having apparent- ly no particular complaint, they seem incommoded from a stoppage of the head, Avhich is particularly percepti- ble in sleep, when their breathing is difficult. A pur- ple streak is observable on the verge of the eye-lids, a^ an attendant on this disorder, with a general fulness externally, about the throat and neck. Its duration extends to several Aveeks; and Avhen it departs, it is usually succeeded by a disorder of the boAvels and other complaints. This disease appears Avith various degrees of vio- lence. The chief symptom that gives uneasiness here h the difficulty of breathing through the nose, which 452 BED GUM. arises from an inflammation of the membrane, that lines the posterior nostrils and throat. By this in- flammation extending, every part comes to be affected, even to the stomach and bowels, and hence the great and increasing debility it quickly occasions. The stools are thick and pasty, and of a peculiar green or blue colour. From this account of the disorder, the state of the bowels is a circumstance which must be more attended to, than in almost any other disease. To this end, one or two tea-spoonfuls of castor oil should be given every day, so as to procure four or five evacuations daily. The bark should be given in a decoction or glyster, joined Avith cordials, to support the strength of the child. The same remedies should be exhibited to the Avet nurse. The acrimony of the discharge on the adjacent sur- faces of the nose and throat, should be prevented by Avashing the parts frequently Avith Avarm camomile, or elder-iloAver tea, and afterwards applying a little SAveet oil. Where convulsions are threatened, or occur, lau- danum is very proper, after the operation of laxative medicines; and in many cases, the anodyne should be given tAvo or three times a day. In this disease, blis- ters are improper, as tending to produce gangrene of the part. RED GUM, Is an efflorescence of spots, varying in their size and appearance, confined to the superior parts of the body. In general it is necessary only to keep the boAvels open with the absorbent and aperient mixture, or magnesia, and to keep the child moderately warm, otherwise the rash striking in, may fall upon the bowels and produce fever. Infants are liable to various kinds of rash, both in the mouth and on the body, till the period of teeth- ing is over. , » These cutaneous affections will be found oAving either to some ill quality in the breast milk, a heating regimen, or errors in diet. It is only necessary to avoid the oe- THRUSH--COSTIVENESS, &.C. 4:J^ casional causes, and the infant will not be troubled with them. THRUSH, Is an eruption of white spots, generally appearing within the month, on the lips and inside of the mouth, and sometimes affects the whole alimentary canal. Like the preceding disease, it owes its origin to some afiec- tion of the first passages, and consequently will require a similar treatment. As a local application, borax and honey in propor- tion of one drachm of the former, finely powdered, to an ounce of the latter, and well mixed together, will have an excellent effect irt cleansing the mouth, and healing the ulcers, especially when the milk adheres much to its surfaces. A little of this paste may be put on the child's tongue, as often as may be necessary to keep the parts clean; Avhich will be licked to every part of the mouth, and will effectually do, Avithout put- ting the infant to pain, by forcibly rubbing it on. But the cure is not permanent, unless the occasional causes are avoided, and the absorbent and aperient mixture, (see Recipe 9) or magnesia, be given to subdue the fe- verish state of the system. COSTIVENESS AND WIND. Costiveness may be either constitutional or acquired. When constitutional, it is better to do but little, parti- cularly if the child appears in tolerable health in every other respect. In case of acquired costiveness, the pre- vention, as Avell as cure, will only be permanently found by avoiding improper treatment and diet. Flatulence generally accompanies costiveness, and is sometimes attended with pains of the stomach and bowels, Avhich are indicated by the drawing up of the infant's limbs, and by its agonizing manner of crying. Under such circumstances, it will be proper to apply warmth to the belly, by bran or camomile floAvers heated with hot water, and put into a bladder, wliich 154 LOOSENESS, OK is only to be half filled Avith it, and then tied and wrapped up in a flannel. At the same time it will be proper to give a tea-spoonful or two of castor oil. If this should not operate speedily, or the child remain in much pain, a plain glyster of thin gruel should be ad- ministered. The suppository will sometimes ansAver very well. The best in common use is prepared by scraping a can- dle until it is rendered sufficiently small and tapering to introduce it into the anus about an inch, or tAvo inches at most. It will be better to dip it in oil before it is used. A strip of paper or linen cloth twisted up, and Avell moistened Avith oil, are easily introduced, and forms also a good suppository, or dry glyster. It is a Arery common practice to give carminative me- dicines to infants, in order to remove flatulence, such as grated ginger and spices of different kinds. They ought never to be employed when the infant is the least fe- verish, or Avhen the bowels are in a costive state. If any flatulence remain after costiveness has been re- moved, and there are no febrile symptoms, a drop or two of laudanum, or double the quantity of parego- ric, fennel tea, and a little of the absorbent and ape- rient mixture, (see Recipe 9) or magnesia, may be given Avith advantage. It is the bad manner of feeding, as Avell as over-feed- ing children, in general, even at the breast, that is the cause of almost all they suffer from costheness, flatu- lence, and acidity. LOOSENESS, OR CHOLERA INFANTUM. A purging is one of the most frequent complaints of infancy; however, it should be remembered that it is not ahvays a disease; but on the contrary, it often proves a remedy. By it, nature most commonly throws off an offending cause. Its causes, therefore, and treat- ment, require very particular attention. Both vomiting and purging very often arise from un- wholesome milk or other food, from teething, from a CHOLERA INFANTUM. 455 moist cold air, as well as from the sudden disappear- ance of some eruption on the skin. The purging is not then hastily to be stopped, until the offending cause he removed. The treatment, therefore, of this complaint, must consist first in removing, as far as possible, the irri- tating matter, and then checking the particular symp- toms. If the offending cause appears lodged in the stomach, the cure should begin by giving an emetic, and afterwards small doses of rhubarb, or the absor- bent and aperient mixture (see Recipe 9). The nature of this disease is to be often draAvn from the appearance of the stools, and the treatment ought in a great measure to be regulated from that circum- stance. Thus Avhen the stools are sour and curdled, after the necessary evacuations have been premised, the absorbent mixture (see Recipe 8) or a feAV grains of prepared chalk or magnesia, combined with grated nutmeg, or some aromatic, is strongly pointed out, in addition to opening medicines. When again the stools are slimy, and of a clayey colour, in addition to the former plan, injections of soap-suds are not to be omit- ted, and castile soap dissolved in milk will be found a useful drink. When the stools are watery and bloody, or foetid, castor oil and calomel are the best purgatives, and if attended with much griping, glysters of milk and soap-suds should be often repeated. The extent and continuance of this plan, must de- pend on the obstinacy of the complaint. To these me- dicines, opiates according to the age of the child, may be giA'en Avith the greatest advantage at bed-time, pro- vided there exist no febrile symptoms. When the child is cold and languid, the purgative medicines ought to be joined with some aromatics, as grated ginger, and given less frequently: and during the intermediate days, as Avell as the evening after the physic has operated, a cordial diet, such as the addi- tion of Avine in gruel or arroAV root, Avith a plenty of nutmeg, should be allowed. Besides this internal treatment, external applications are of the greatest service, as cloths moistened with the 456 DISCHARGE FROM THE VAGINA. camphorated spirits, or wrung out of brandy stewed with spices, and applied warm to the belly and ex- tremities. Blisters to the legs and arms have also their good effects, and ought to be repeated in obstinate cases. Wearing flannel next the skin, or a bark jack- et, Avill also prove an auxiliary. In the treatment of all abdominal complaints, much attention is necessary to the nature and kind of food or nourishment taken. The food of children, with this A-iew, should be deprived of acid as much as possible; hence, instead of milk, animal food, in the form of beef tea, or mutton broth, is preferable. When there is an habitual disposition to purging, there is no diet superior to arrow root; and when this is not at hand, flour baked in an oven till it breaks into a poAvder, and afterAvards made up with boiled milk, is a good substitute. Tapi- oca and sago are also very nutritious. Indeed it is proper to alternate the food occasionally, from one kind to another, and frequently to exhibit the animal food in a solid form, Avhen the stomach rejects fluid nourish- ment. The change of the Avet nurse sometimes makes a necessary part of the treatment; and Avhen a child has been Aveancd, resuming the breast has often had the happiest effect. In many instances, a change of air alone has proved an effectual remedy, after every other means had failed. DISCHARGE FROM THE VAGINA, Infants have sometimes a discharge from the vagina, a feAV days after birth, resembling matter; but it is of no consequence, as it goes off of itself in a short time. Children of five or six years old are subject to a mu- cous discharge, resembling the genuine whites of adults, which will in some instances be in an excessive quan- tity, so as to run through all tlieir clothes. The disease readily yields to a little cooling physic, as the cathartic or absorbent and aperient mixture (see Recipe 9) and keeping the parts perfectly clean Avith soap-suds or lead water. When it is obstinate, balsam capivi may be given thrice a day, and if the child is puny, the tincture of steel is a suitable remedy. AV0RMS. 453| WORMS. The symptoms enumerated as most commonly distin- guishing worms, are, pain and acid eructation of the stomach, variable appetite, foul tongue, foetid breath; the belly full, hard and tense, with occasional gripings or pains in different parts of it, particularly about the navel; irregular state of the belly, heat and itchiness of the fundament, urine Avhite and limpid, and often discharged Avith difficulty. With these symptoms are joined a dull appearance of the eyes, often dilation of the pupil, itchiness of the nostrils, short dry cough, sIoav fever, with evening exacerbations, and irregular pulse, grinding of the teeth in sleep, &c. However, many of the above symptoms occur in other diseases ; and I believe, as was suggested to me by the learned Dr. Caldwell, of Philadelphia, that worms are much oftener suspected to be the cause of children's complaints, than what they really are. lor the cure of worms, tAvo indications arise; first, to expel them, and secondly, to prevent their generation. The first may be effected by giving a dose of calomel at bed-time, and rhubarb the next morning to Work it off. The pink-root (see Materia Medica) has long been held in high estimation as a vermifuge. It may be given in the form of tea, Avith milk, sweetened, for breakfast, observing not to continue the use of it, if it is found to affect the child's eyes. The bark of the pride of China (see Materia Medica) is much extolled Of late, as a remedy for worms. My friend Dr. Grimes, of Savannah, says, that he considers it one of the best vermifuges we are acquainted with. He directs a tea to be made of the bark of this tree, and as much of it taken during the day, as the child can bear Avithout producing vomiting, purging, or considerable Aveakness of the limbs. External applications have also been found useful for the removal of this complaint. These consist of a liniment made of equal parts of beef's gall, aloes and sweet oil or fresh butter, rubbed on the belly every night; or a plaster made of dry rue and aloes, or gall 3 j 454 convulsive Fits—teething. mixed up with a little turpentine and lard, and applied over the region of the belly, taking care to cover the navel with a piece of cotton. The future generation of worms will be prevented by avoiding greasy food, and by taking the rust or tinc- ture of steel thrice a day, joined with bitters, to give tone to the bowels. CONVULSIVE FITS. The convulsions of children are generally preceded by slight symptoms of distortion of the face, as, in- voluntary laughter when asleep or awake, squinting of the eyes towards the nose, or turning them upwards, the child, at the same time, changing to a bluish colour. The fit itself is distinguished by distortions, more or less general, according to the violence of the attack. They are attended with the usual symptoms of froth, or frothy discharge from the mouth, and they are ter- minated by profound sleep, from which the child awakes Unconscious of its former state. The treatment depends on the particular cause of ir- ritation. Thus when it is expected to arise from reten- tion of the meconium, or undigested matter received into the stomach, laxatives, as castor oil, should be given as early as possible. When from teething, the protrusion should be hastened by lancing the gums. When from retropelled eruption, the warm bath and blisters are to be had recourse to. And when from ivorms, the remedies detailed in that disease are to be employed. When the cause of convulsions is unknown, throwing up a glyster, bathing the extremities in warm water, and blood-letting, if the child seems able to bear it, are the safest means during the uncertainty. The symp- toms still continuing, sinapisms should be applied to the extremities, and blisters behind the ears. TEETHING. The symptoms that mark dentition are, heat and sAvelling of the gum, and a tendency to drivel or slaver AVATERY HEAD. 4551 much, with starting, and thrusting the fingers into the mouth. Difficult teething, as a species of inflammatory disease, is to be treated as such. Bleeding with a leech or two behind the ears, or applying blisters there, or to the nape of the neck, will be found beneficial. But nothing is so effectual as scarifying the gum with a lancet, which should be occasionally repeated, according to the ur- gency of the symptoms; for, by thus removing the cause of irritation, the effect cannot fail to cease. A moderate looseness being beneficial in teething, should rather be encouraged than cheeked. If costive- ness prevails, it must be removed by the occasional use of the cathartic, or absorbent and aperient mixture, (see Recipe 11); and when there is much feyer,the antimonial solution (see Recipe 6) in very small doses, to produce perspiration, should also be employed. WATERY HEAD, This disease is distinguished by pain of the head, accompanied with nausea, sickness, and other disorders of the animal functions, without any evident cause, and sudden in their attack; variable state of pulse; constant slow fever; and in the advanced stage of the disease, dilation of the pupil of the eye, with a tendency to a comatose state. / It most frequently takes place between the age of tAvo and ten years, and with children of a scrofulous habit. It may, however, arise from falls and blows on the head. The first stage of the disease is marked by loss of appetite, and a degree of melancholy and uneasiness, without the child being able to fix on any particular cause. Pain in the head is next felt, especially above the eyes, and in a direction betwixt the temples. In very young subjects, pain in the head is indicated by the child putting his hand often to his head, and waving it about. This pain gradually extends, and is at last felt more particularly in the arm and leg of one side. The affections of the stomach next commence, and alternate 456 CROUP, 0|l H1VLS. with the pain and uneasiness of the head. The febrile symptoms, though pretty constant, are milder in the morning, but suffer also an evening exacerbation. Vo- miting occasionally occurs, but costiveness is a leading symptom ; the tongue is a little affected, except towards the end, when it assumes a scarlet colour, and some- times becomes apthous. As the disease advances, al\ the symptoms of hectic are conspicuous, and during the whole disease, the child shoAvs a strong propensity to the bed, or a desire to. avoid being moved. This disease is truly inflammatory in its commence- ment, and can only be treated with success by the early employment of those means which are best calculated to subdue inflammation ; such as copious and repeated bleedings, blisters to the head and temples, and an is- sue behind the neck. Besides these external remedies, active purges, as calomel and jalap, must be frequently administered, and if possible a ptyalism should be produced by the use of mercury, either in the form of calomel in small doses, or by rubbing in the unction. If acid prevails, the absorbent mixture (see Recipe 8} must occasionally be given, and during the continuance of fever, the tincture of digitalis or foxglove, (see Recipe 5j5) will be found an auxiliary. After subduing the inflammatory action of the sys- tem, opium or laudanum may be employed with advan- tage, to relieve the spasm, or pain of the head, Avhen it is considerable. In the last stage of the disease, cold bathing and the use of tonic medicines, may be required to invigorate the system. CROUP, OR HIVES. This disease, wliich is peculiar to children, is a spe- cies of asthma, Avith violent catarrhal symptoms. It is most common in low marshy countries, or on the sea coast, and in wet and cold seasons. Indeed it is rea- dily occasioned by any thing wet or damp, or wliich ob- structs the perspiration. There are two species of croup, the acute or inflamma tory, and the chronical or lingering. CROUP, OR HIVES. 457| The former is attended with a very quick pulse, cough, hoarseness, and difficulty of breathing, soon after, and sometimes even before the occurrence of the croaking noise, which is the characteristic of this disorder. As the disease increases, the pulse quickens, the heat aug- ments, and an excessive restlessness takes place. The breathing becomes more and more difficult, and labori- ous, and the peculiar av freezing sound which accom- panies it, so increases, as to be heard at a considerable distance. The symptoms continue to increase in violence, until a spasm of the muscles of the parts taking place, the patient is suffocated; the disease often completing its course in the space of three or four days and nights. The. extreme degree of danger which always accom- panies this disease, and the rapidity with which its symp- toms proceed, show that immediate remedies are requi- site to arrest its progress. Therefore, on its first ap- pearance, blood-letting, both general and topical, should be employed, and repeated tAvo or three times a day, according to the violence of the symptoms, and habit of the patient. Immediately after bleeding, an emetic should be administered, and the sickness kept up for se- veral hours, or even days, by small doses of the antimo- nial solution, (see Recipe 6). Inhaling the steams of hot vinegar and water, and embrocating the throat with the volatile liniment, (see Recipe 64) have also their good effects. Besides which, the application of blisters to the throat are not to be neglected, if the symptoms are the least alarming. The decoction of seneka or rattle snake root, (see Materia Medica), is a valuable medicine in this dread- ful complaint. It should be given at first in sueh doses as to excite vomiting, and afterwards in smaller doses, to keep up a nausea at the stomach, and to produce per- spiration. Onions (see Materia Medica) are also cele- brated as a sovereign remedy. The tincture of digitalis or foxglove, (see Recipe 55) is likewise a good remedy, if employed in the early stage of the disease. Attention should always be paid to keep the bowels open by castor oil, or some aperient medicine. 458 CROUP, OR HIVES. The most speedy and efficacious of all remedies, in this alarming disease, Avhich has come under my notice, is calomel in very large doses. For this valuable re- medy, I candidly acknowledge myself indebted to my excellent and very learned friend, professor Davidge, of Baltimore. From him, I have been emboldened to use it in des- perate cases, in doses from thirty to sixty grains, to children. On my own daughter, only four years old, and apparently in the very act of suffocation, I used it in the dose of at least sixty grains. The cure was al- most instantaneous. Among other instances of cure as surprising, was one in the infant of my amiable friend, Mrs. Chalmers, lady of the Rev. Mr. Chalmers, of Washington. The dose was forty grains. The cure was so immediate, that the over-joyed parent insisted I would instruct her in the remedy, for fear, on the next attack, I might not be in the way to prescribe. On learning I had given her infant, not more than between three and four years old, forty grains of calomel, she was excessively frightened, and exclaimed, " you have killed my child !" and indeed she could hardly be per- suaded for some time, though her eyes told her the con- trary, that 1 had not killed her child. So powerful is the effect of this medicine, that it sud- denly removes the disease Avithout having recourse to other means. It acts on the stomach, bowels, and skin. In cases, not very alarming, I have given calomel in smaller doses, conjoined with ipecacuanha, with good effects. The flaxseed sirup is peculiarly beneficial in all dis- eases attended with cough, and therefore should not be omitted in this. To prevent a relapse, and to restore the strength of the patient, it will be proper, at the close of this complaint, to give bark in any form which is most agreeable and convenient. The latter, or chronical croup, is produced by spasm, and unaccompanied with fever. A most important re- medy in this species, if early used, is the warm bath, immediately followed by a glyster, to Avhich some of the juice of raAV onions may be added. A tea-spoonful H00PING-Q0UGH. 459! or two of the juice may also be given by the mouth. If the symptoms do not yield to this treatment, an emetic should be administered, and after its operation, a dose of laudanum will be proper. Some children are troubled with this complaint for se- veral years, and then seem to out-grow it. A flannel shirt, light diet, cold bath, change of air, gentle exercise, and Avhatever strengthens the body, are the best pre- ventives. HOOPING-COUGH, Is a contagious disease, attacking in paroxysms of a convulsive suffocating cough, with a loud noise or hoop at each respiration, and generally terminating by vomit- ing. It is clearly the effect of a specific contagion, of a peculiar nature, and highly active, affecting, like the small-pox and measles, but once in life. The treatment of this disease must be regulated by the degree of fever and spasm. When the fever is con- siderable, bleeding becomes clearly indicated, as well as blisters over the breast, and the use of laxative medi- cines, together Avith such as may determine to the sur- face; of which class, the decoction of rattle-snake root, (see Materia Medica) or the antimonial solution, (see Recipe 6) are to be preferred. Wnen the spasmodic state is most predominant, and the symptoms of fever mild, emetics will be highly use- ful, followed by a dose of the anodyne sudorific drops, (see Recipe 17) at bed-time. If a free use of the flax- seed sirup is not sufficient to allay the cough, laudanum, or paregoric, when fever does not forbid, may be given with the greatest advantage. In this tiresome disease, I have found no remedy, when there is little or no fever, superior to this mixture*, given three or four times a day, in sirup or tea; com- mencing with small doses, and gradually increasing • Take of Tincture of bark, one ounce and a half, Paregoric, half an ounce. Tincture of cantharides, wve drachm. 460 RICKETS. them until a slight strangury is excited. The strangu- ry usually comes on about the third day, and the hoop- ing cough seldom continues longer than a few days af- tenvards. When the disease is recurrent, and returns some time after its apparent departure, as it frequently does upon taking cold, an emetic, a dose or tAvo of castor oil, and the anodyne sudorific drops, (see Recipe 17) laudanum, or paregoric at bed-time, as the symptoms may indicate^ will quickly remove it. A milk and vegetable diet is peculiarly proper in this complaint; and when the pa- tient is debilitated, a change of air and tonic medicines, as the bark and columbo, will be found necessary. RICKETS, Consist in an enlargement of the head, belly> and joints, flattened ribs, and general emaciation, Avith a bloated or florid countenance. This disorder generally takes place from six months to tAvo years of age, and arises either from unhealthy parents, or from the chih dren being improperly nursed, kept wet, dirty, in a close damp air, without due exercise. Weakness and relaxation being the cause of this com- plaint, its remedy must, of course, be to promote diges- tion, and to brace and strengthen the solids. Hence a nutritious and cordial diet, Avith exercise in the coun- try air, is indispensable. Along with this, the cold bath and tonic medicines, as bark, columbo, and steel, to warm and invigorate the constitution, are peculiarly proper; but they should not be entered upon, Avithout previous purging with calomel and jalap. The tinc- ture of rhubarb (see Recipe 53) should also be occasion- ally employed, to keep the bowels in a regular state. However, nothing will be found more effectual ifi re- covering the patient, than a generous diet, and cold bath- ing, particularly in salt water. MATERIA MEDICA. " How Avonderful are thy works, O Lord! in wis- dom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches." In all parts of these his glorious works, in their admirable fitness to one another, and their constant sub- serviency to the good of all, we behold the wisdom and goodness of the great Creator. But in no department of his works do these traits of mingled wisdom and goodness, shine with greater lustre than in the vegetable kingdom. There is scarcely a plant that greens the field, a flower that gems the pas- ture, a shrub that tufts the garden, or a tree that shades the earth, that does not contain certain medicinal virtues, to remove our pains, and to heal onr diseases. The American continent, though the last found, is not the least favoured of God in this respect. Embra- cing almost every clime and soil of the globe, it richly abounds with drugs of every healing quality. The common saying, that every country contains the best cures for its own diseases, seems fully verified in America. Here, above all countries, is the ague, and here, exclusively, is the grand cure, the Peruvian bark tree, or dogwood. And here too, exclusively, is found the Spanish fly, the tobacco, the Jamestown weed, the pink and snake roots, besides those other valuable plants, equal to the ipecacuanha, rhubarb, jalap, &c. &c. which have hitherto been imported at a great expense, though not ahvays genuine; but which may noAV be ob- tained in our OAvn fields and Avoods, both unadulterated and cheap. 3 K 46a materia medica. Worthy of the high character of Americans, many gentlemen of the finest genius among us, have explored the medical treasures of our OAvn country, and have shown an eagerness to make known the precious means to preserve the health and lives of our citizens. First on the list of this noble band of philanthropists, stands that bright constellation of all literary and professional genius, the late professor Barton, from whose " Collec- tions toavards a Materia Medica of the United States," much valuable matter has been selected. If, by the laws of Rome, " a civic crown was adjudged to the man who saved the life of a single citizen," Avhat eulogy is sufficiently great to be attached to the memory of him, who, besides illuminating several other Avalks of ornamental and useful knoAvledge, has by investiga- ting the virtues of our native vegetables, laid the found- ation whereby millions of our worthy citizens may be rescued from an untimely death. Next comes professor Chapman, who, if possible, with greater ardour has been bending the forces of his powerful mind to the same all-important researches. The meed of highest gratitude is due also to profes- sors Hosack, Dexter, Mitchell, and to doctors Mease, Cutler and Thatcher; to colonels Hamilton, Bird, &c. From the valuable discoveries and communications of these gentlemen, I have, with great industry and care, compiled an American Materia Medica, exhibiting, in alphabetical order, the names, characters, and quali- ties of our best medicinal plants hitherto discovered, together with the diseases they suit, and tlieir proper doses, and forms of administration; the whole stripped of technical terms, and making, as 1 humbly hope, one of the most complete systems for family use now extant. MATERIA medica. 463 AGARIC. See Touchwood. AGRIMONY. •igrimonia, Grows two or three feet high, in hedges and the margins of fields—blossoms in July on long spikes- yellow. It is known by the vulgar name of cuckold, from the seeds sticking to the clothes in the fall of the year. In whey or tea it forms a good drink in fevers. The juice of this plant, or a strong infusion of the roots, two handfuls to a quart of boiling water, and sweeten- ed with honey, is an excellent medicine in the jaundice, scurvy, and habitual diarrhoea or looseness. Dose of the infusion half a pint; of the juice a wine-glassful three times a day. The herb has been applied exter- nally to fresh wounds. ALDER, BLACK. Mnus Nigra, Sometimes called Virginia winterberry, grows in moist places, generally sending up several slender stalks to the height of ten feet, and bears a red berry. The bark is tonic, and accordingly is used in substance, or in strong decoction, like the Peruvian bark in intermit- tents, and other cases of debility, as dropsy, gangrene, &c. The inner bark in the shape of poultice externally, Avith the decoction internally, a handful or two boiled slowly in three pints of water to a quart, is celebrated both by professor Barton and Dr. Mease, as of admirable use in arresting the progress of mortification. A strong de- coction of the berries formed into a sirup with molasses in dose of a wine-glassful, or two tea-spoonfuls of the powder of the inner bark, is said to be a good purge. ALEXANDER. See Parsley, Wild. , 404 MATERIA MEDIGA. ALUM ROOT. Heuchera Americana, Called also American Sanicle. The root is a very intense astringent. It is the basis of a powder which has lately acquired some reputation in the cure of can- cer. Professor Barton observes that he does not believe that the alum root has cured genuine cancer, but that it has proved very beneficial in obstinate ulcers, which have been mistaken for cancers. He says it is one of the articles in the Materia Medica of our Indians, the powdered root of which they apply to wounds, ulcers, and cancers. ANGELICA. Angelica, GroAvs in marshy woods and hedges, flowering in June and July. It is frequently cultivated in our gar- dens. Every part of this useful Aregetable partakes of its its aromatic virtues, but especially the root, which in the form ol powder, tincture or tea, is useful in flatulent colics. Conjoined with dogwood bark, or any other tonic, it may, like the Peruvian bark, be employed with advantage in intermittents and low stages of fever. The dose, one tea-spoonful, in substance, of the former, to two of the latter. It may also be employed in the form of strong decoction, in doses of a gill, or in cold phlegma- tic habits, in tincture, either alone, or Avith dogwood berries, centaury, lemon peel, or any other articles of the bitter and tonic class. A strong decoction of the root, combined Avith red oak bark, a large handful of each to a pint of boiling water, makes an admirable gar- gle for relaxed and spongy gums, and ulcerated sore throats. APPLE, PERU. See Thorn-Apple. MATERIA MEDICA, *$$ ARBUTUS. See Bearberry. ARROW ROOT. Maranta Arundinacea, Is cultivated in the southern states. A table-spoon- ful makes a pint of the finest jelly in nature, which affords the most nutritious food in acute diseases for children. To persons labouring under bowel complaints, as diarrhoea and dysentery, it is of itself a remedy. The jelly is made in the following manner—To a table-spoonful of the powdered root, add as much cold water as will make it into a thin paste, then pour on boiling water through the spout of a kettle, stirring it at the same time briskly, till it becomes a clear jelly; after which season it with sugar and nutmeg, and to render it still more palatable, a little wine or lemon juice may be added. But to children, blending it with new milk is best. ASARABACCA SWAMP, Asarum, Grows in low grounds. It has but two leaves, which rise immediately from the root, and divide from one stem. The flowers are purple and bell shaped, and proceed from between the leaves. The whole of this plant has a nauseous bitter taste. The root, from a half, to a table-spoonful in powder, operates both upwards and downwards. In the form of infusion, a half handful to a quart of boiling water, it is said to be serviceable in the hooping cough, in do- ses of a table-spoonful to children every half hour, or oftener, until it vomits; and in doses of a tea-cupful three times a day, it has been used Avith success to pro- mote the menses, or courses. 46(5 MATERIA MEDICA. AVENS COMMON. Geum Urbanum, Grows a foot high by fences and borders of fields. The blossoms are white or yellowish in July. Its smell resembles that of cloves. A strong tincture of the root, two handfuls steeped in a quart of spirits, given to the quantity of half a wine- glassful, or the poAvder, in doses of a tea-spoonful, se- veral times a day, has afforded an excellent remedy in intermittents and other disorders where strengthening medicines are requisite. It is said to be equal to the Peruvian bark. There is another variety of this plant, called water avens, throat root, cure-all, which is to be found in boggy meadoAvs. The blossoms are purplish, and ap- pear in May. Its properties are the same as the pre- ceding. A decoction of it has been found beneficial as a gargle in ulcerated sore throats, which probably gave rise to the name of throat root, or throat wort, BACK-ACH BRAKE. See Fern Female. BALM. Melissa Officinalis, Makes an excellent tea in fevers, and when sweeten- ed, and acidulated with the juice of lemons or cream of tartar, forms a most grateful beverage. BARBERRY. Berberis Vulgaris, Grows along the sides of roads, in hedges;—leaves oblong, tender, and subject to the rust; the floAvers are MATERIA MEDICA. 467 in clusters; the fruit oblong and acid; the stem is de- fended by three thorns. A double handful of the berries boiled in three quarts of water to tAvo, and given in doses of a tea-cupful four or five times a day, sweetened with white sugar, is ex- tolled as a remedy in diarrhoBa, dysentery and jaundice. BASTARD IPECACUANHA. Bee Ipecacu- anha American. BAYBERRY. Myrica Cerifera Humilis, Called also Dwarf Candleberry Myrtle, grows in swamps to the height of two or three feet, and bears nu- merous green berries, of which tallow is made. The bark of the root has been considered a good re- medy for the jaundice. The powder of it, in doses of twenty or thirty grains, has been employed as a mild emetic. The inner bark, in poultice, applied morning and evening to scrophulous swellings, and drinking a tea-cupful of a strong infusion of the leaves, is said to have wrought surprising cures in a few weeks. BEARBERRY. Arbutus TJva XJrsi, Bears whortleberry—wild cranberry. Is a low ever- green shrub, somewhat resembling the myrtle. The leaves have a bitter astringent taste, and unques- tionably possesses greater medicinal virtues, especially in relieving the irritation of the stone, gravel, and old cases of gonorrhoea, menstrual discharges, also ca- tarrhs and consumptions. The dose—half a pint twice or thrice a day of a decoc- tion made of the leaves, a handful to a pint, or a tea spoonful in substance, two or three times a day. 468 MATERIA MEDICA. "BEECH DROPS. See Broomrape Virginia. BENNE. Sesamum Orientale, Is now cultivated in South Carolina and Georgia. The leaves by infusion afford an excellent mucilaginous drink, which is used with manifest advantage in dysen- tery, diarrhoea, and cholera infantum. The seeds yield a pure and pleasant oil, which in doses from one to two wine-glassfuls, acts well on the bowels. It is now generally used at the tables of the wealthy, and from the specimen I had of it at the table of my honourable friend, governor Milledge, near Au- gusta, I consider it equal to the best Florence or sallad oil. BETH ROOT. Trillium Rhumboydum, Grows in meadoAvs about a foot high—the leaves oval, three at the top of each stalk, one flower of a purple co- lour, bell shaped, producing a small berry that contains the seed—the root of a brown colour externally, bul- bous and full of small fibres. The powder of the root in doses of one tea-spoonful three or four times a day, is said to be exceedingly use- ful in spitting of blood, immoderate discharge of the menses, or in cases of discharging bloody urine. It is also said to be a good application, in the form of poul- tice, to putrid ulcers, and to obviate gangrene or morti- fication. BIND WEED. See Potatoe, Wild. BITTER-SWEET. See Nightshade, Woody. MATERIA MEDICA. 469 BLACKBERRY, OR DEWBERRY. These, though different in name, are nearly, if not entirely, the same in nature. They both bear the same kind of berry, which, when ripe, is pleasant and whole- some. The roots of these vines, but especially of the dewberry, are famous as astringents. From my OAvn observation in practice, two handfuls of the clear roots in three pints of milk or water boiled to a quart, and given in doses of a tea-cupful every two or three hours, has often cured obstinate diarrhoea and dysentery, when the best medicines of the shop had failed. BLACK SNAKE ROOT. See Virginia Snake root BLAZING STAR. See Devil's Bit BLOOD ROOT. Sanguinaria Canadensis, Has a variety of names, as Red Root, Puccoon, In- dian Paint, Turmeric. It grows about a foot high in rich woodlands, and flowers in April. The leaves are roundish and deeply indented, somewhat like the Avhite oak leaves—stems naked, supporting single flowers; blossoms white. When the fresh root, which is about the size of the little finger, and blood red, is broken, a juice issues in large drops resembling blood. According to Dr. Downie, the root in poAvder from twenty to thirty grains, is strongly emetic. Professor Barton considers it nearly equal to the seneca or rattle- snake root in cases of ulcerous sore throats, croup and hives, and other similar affections. Professor Dexter celebrates it in doses of one grain of the powdered root, or ten drops of the tincture, every tAvo or three hours, as an excellent diaphoretic in colds, pleurisies, and other inflammatory complaints. 470 MATERIA MEDICA. A tincture inay be prepared by steeping a handful of the root sliced in half a pint of spirits. It may also be exhibited in the form of decoction, a handful to a quart of boiling water, and a table-spoonful for a dose every tAvo or three hours. The blood root is considered the chief ingredient of the quack medicine known by the name of RaAvson's bitters, recommended as a remedy for the jaundice. The juice of the root is said to be good for destroying warts. BLOODWORT STRIPED. Lapathum Sanguineum Mubrum, Grows six or seven inches high, on the sides of banks, and in upland Avoods. Out of the top of the stalk, which is small and bare of leaves, grow small purple flowers, which turn into husks that contain the seed. The leaves, three or four in number, lie flat upon the ground, are hairy, and full of red winding veins; the root small, tough and fibrous. An infusion of this plant, a handful to a quart of boiling water, in dose of a tea-cupful every three hours, is said to be useful in restraining immoderate flowing of the menses, and all other hemorrhages. A strong de- coction of the roots with half the quantity of sugar or honey, and formed into a sirup in dose of a table- spoonful every hour or two, is beneficial in consump- tions or violent coughs. The expressed juice, in dose of a wine-glassful, and the leaves bruised, and frequent- ly applied to the wound from a snake, or any venomous insect, is said to eradicate the poison. BLUE CARDINAL FLOWERS. See Lobelia. BONESET. See Thoroughwort. BOWMAN'S ROOT. See Indian Physic. MATERIA MEDICA. 471 BOXWOOD. See Dogwood. BROOMRAPE, VIRGINIA. Orobanche Virginiana, Grows from Canada to Georgia, and rises six or eight inches high, of a brown colour, brittle sprigs, but no leaves ; the root is bulbous. It is generally found un- der the shade of the American beech tree; hence it is sometimes called beech drops, but more generally can- cer root. Every part of this plant is considerably astrin- gent, and along with the astringency, especially in the recent plant, there is combined a peculiar and ex- tremely nauseous bitterness. It has been celebrated as a remedy in dysentery, but its principal reputation is in cancerous affections. It is supposed this formed a part of the celebrated cancer-powder of Dr. Hugh Martin, Avhose success in the management of many cases of this dreadful disease, has been acknowledged by the regular practitioners of Philadelphia. It is certain, says professor Barton, that the powder of cancer root has been of great service externally ap- plied to obstinate ulcers, some of which had resisted all the ordinary applications. The fresh bruised root has also been applied with good effects to cancerous sores. In the form of decoction it has been found useful as a Avash to gallings in Avarm weather, or excoriating of the skin. It is also esteemed a good application in cases of St. Anthony's fire. BUCK THORN. Spina Cervina, Grows in hedges. It is a prickly bush, which flow- ers in June, and produces in the fall a round black berry containing four seeds. 472 MATERIA MEDICA. Equal parts of the expressed juice of the berries and molasses, or half the quantity of sugar, Avith a little ca- limus or ginger, formed into a sirup by a gentle fire, is said to be a good purgative medicine in doses of a large Avine-glassful, and is much used in the cure of dropsies. BURDOCK. Arctium Lappa, GroAvs on the road side, on rubbish and ditch banks, bearing purplish blossoms in July and August. The juice of the fresh leaAes, or an infusion or decoc- tion of the roots, operates gently on the bowels, SAveetens the blood, promotes SAveat and urine, and is esteemed serviceable in scorbutic, rheumatic, and venereal disor- ders. The juice is given in doses of a wine-glassful, and the decoction half a pint three times a day. BURNET SAXIFRAGE. Pimpinclla, Grows about a foot high. The,leaves are variously shaped; flowers in September; the seeds are furred and egg-shaped. The root, in the form of decoction, a handful to a quart of water, is esteemed by some a useful medicine in asthma, coughs, and obstructions of the menses, in dose of a wine-glassful tAvice or thrice a day sAveetened. BUTTERFLY WEED. See Pleurisy Root. BUTTERNUT. See Walnut, White. BUTTON SNAKE ROOT. " The button snake root grows in South Carolina and Georgia, in poor pine land; the root bulbous, Avith MATERIA MEDICA. 473 numerous fibres, of a pungent'nitrous taste; the leaves or blades long, narrow, pointed and saAv-edged. A stalk shoots up in autumn, to the height of three feet, bearing globular prickly floAvers, of an ash colour, Avhich, from a fancied resemblance to buttons of an old fashion, gives its name. This root is a, powerful sudorific; but in cases of gan- grene and foul ulcers, is perhaps superior to any thing yet discovered. The mode of applying it, is in the form of poultice, *by boiling it soft."* * For the above I am indebted to my very honest, but unfortunately too credulous friend, Paul Hamilton, Esq. formerly secretary of the navy, whose zeal and success in exploring1 the virtues of our indigenous plants, can never be sufficiently applauded. For these and many other patriotic virtues, a kind Providence was pleased to raise him up a son as disinterested and pub- lic spirited as himself; I mean that extraordinary youth, lieutenant Archibald Hamilton, who, in defence of his country, went forth in the early period of life to meet the veteran tars of Great Britain. He was a midshipman on board the United States frigate, when after a short action she captured the British frigate Macedonian. His activity and valour in that brilliant affair werj so conspicuous, that the gallant Decatur assigned to him the honourable and pleasing duty of bearing the. British colours to the seat of government. With uncommonly good fortune he arrived at AVash- ington on the very evening that the president and his lady, with the heads of departments, at a splendid ball were celebrating this glorious victory. I had the pleasure to be one of the party; and never shall I forget the looks of his venerable father, his mo;t amiable mother, and charming sisters, when this blooming young warrior was ushered into the crowded ball room, with the trophies of American valour. The joy manifested on this occasion was not confined to his relations alone; for it was to be seen in tfie countenance of every one present, but more especially in the young females, who, as was very natural to suppose, from his unassuming and graceful deportment, could not conceal the tender emotions of their hearts. To the honour of the president, this modest and amiable youth was.soon after promoted to a lieutenancy. He followed the fortunes of commodore Decatur, when he shifted his flag from the United States to the President; and was with this intrepid officer when in that single frigate he endeavoured to fight his way through a British squadron. In this most unequal conflict the President was overpowered, but not until she had completely silenced one of the hostile frigates. By the last shot that was fired from the enemy, the gallant young Hamilton was killed. To say he was brave to the height of that heroism which lias raised the in- fant navy of his country to be the admiration of the world, is to say but half his praise. The far nobler praise Was his, of having rendered himself the idol of his brother officers, and his numerous relations and friends—to all of whom he has bequeathed the inexpressible pleasure of attaching to his me- mory every thing that was amiable and good. 474 MATERIA MEDICA. CALICO TREE. Kalmia Latifolia, Broad leaved laurel, called also winter-green; grows seven or eight feet high in swamps and moist rocky pas- tures ; blossoms are white, tinged with red in June or July. There is another species, Kalmia Augustifolia, narroAv leaved or dwarf laurel, called also ivy, lamb- kill ; blossoms reddish, variegated. A decoction of the plant externally applied, has often cured the itch; but like all other poisons it should be used Avith great caution. An ointment, made by sim- mering the leaves in hog's lard, is good for the scald head and obstinate sores. According to Dr. George G. Thomas, an obstinate diarrhoea has been cured, by a decoction made from an ounce of the leaves in half a pint of water, boiled to half, and thirty drops three or four times a day. In this form it has also been used internally with great success in the scald head. CALIMUS, OR SWEET FLAG. Acorus Calimus, GroAvs in marshy situations, and in shallow water, and may be known by the long sword-shaped leaves, resembling those of the blue and yellow flags, but nar- roAver, and of a brighter green. The root is like that of the blue flag in appearance, but has a strong aroma- tic smell, and a Avarm pungent taste. The flavor is greatly improved by drying. The root possesses stomachic virtues, and is fre- quently grated into water, and given to children for fla- tulent colics, free of fever. It is sometimes used as an ingredient with dogAvood, cherry bark, centaury, &c. in morning bitters, as a preventive of the ague in low marshy situations. CANCER ROOT. See Broomrape Virginia. MATERIA MEDICA. &J5 CANDLE-BERRY MYRTLE. See Bayberry. CARAWAY. Carum Carui, A choice aromatic—grows kindly in our gardens. The seeds assist digestion, strengthen the stomach, and are serviceable in flatulent colics. The dose of the seeds in powder, from one to two tea-spoonfuls to adults. CARROT, WILD. Daucus Carota. The wild carrot grows two or three feet high in mea- dows and swamps, and flowers in July. The seeds haATe an agreeable aromatic smell, and in a slight de- gree, a warm pungent taste. An ounce or half a. handful of the seeds infused in a pint of water, and taken in doses of a tea-cupful every hour or two, is said to give immediate relief in suppres- sion of urine, and is also serviceable in promoting the menses. The roots of the carrot cultivated in our gardens, beaten to a pulp, form an excellent application to can- cerous and other ill-conditioned ulcers, allaying the pain, checking the suppuration, and foetid smell, and softening the callous edges. A marmalade of carrots, on account of their strong antiseptic qualities, has been successfully used for preventing and curing the sea scurvy. An infusion of these roots has also been found useful in gravel complaints. CASTOR OIL. Ricinus Communis, Flourishes well among us. The kernels yield al most a fourth part of their weight in oil, Avhich is ob 476* MATERIA MEDICA. tained from them either by expression or decoction. Ex- pression is the best method of preparing ; but the com- mon mode is to shell the seeds, and boil them in water, and as the oil rises, to skim it off. Castor oil is a gentle and useful purgative, and is a most efficacious remedy for the colic or dry belly-ach, and also dysenteries, in doses of a wine-glassful every tAvo or three hours until it operates. In doses of a tea- spoonful, it is the most suitable purge, when not rancid, to expel the meconium from new-born infants. CAT-GUT, OR GOAT's RUE. Galega Virginiana. It is vulgarly called cat-gut, from the resemblance of some of its roots to the article of that name. A decoction of the roots is reputed to be an excellent medicine for destroying Avorms. CELANDINI^THE GREATER. Chelidonium, Major, Grows about two feet high in meadows, and by run- ning brooks , has many stalks, Avith larger joints than is common in other plants, very easily broken; the leaves large and saw-edged ; the flowers, consisting of four leaves, are yellow; after which come long pods, enclosing black seeds ; the roots long, reddish exter- nally, and yellow within, and full of yellow juice. Twenty or thirty drops of the juice, or half a tea- spoonful of the dried root in powder, in a cup of new milk, morning and night, is said to be beneficial in dropsy, green sickness, and cutaneous eruptions. The juice rubbed on warts, ring and tetter worms, effectually cures them. A poultice made of this plant boiled in milk, or the roots roasted, and mashed in vinegar, is extolled by some as an excellent application to disperse scrophulous tumours on the neck. MATERIA MEDICA. 477 CENTAURY. Centaurium Minor, Is a fine stomachic bitter; and either in a simple in- fusion, or united with calimus or angelica root, is excel- lent in relaxations of the stomach and general debility. CAMOMILE. Chamcemelum, Grows well in our gardens. An infusion, or tea, made of the flowers, is excellent to warm and strength- en the stomach, in cases of indigestion, loss of appetite* and other complaints arising from debility. It is also of great use in doses of a tea-cupful three times a day, as a preventive to the ague and fever, and bilious fever, in sickly situations. In the form of fomentation and poultice, it is serviceable in discussing hard tumors. CAMOMILE, WILD. See Mayweed, CHERRY TREE, WILD. Prunus Cerasus Virginiana. The bark of this tree is an excellent substitute for the Peruvian bark. I have myself frequently employed it in the cure of ague and fever, bilious fever, and other diseases Avhere tonic medicines were proper. In inter- mittents of long standing, I have found it more effica- cious when united with the Virginia snake root, in the proportion of one part of the latter to four of the for- mer. It may be employed either in powder or decoc- tion in the same doses as the Peruvian bark. A strong infusion of it in sound cider, is said to be useful in the jaundice. A decoction of the bark will be found a good wash to ill-conditioned ulcers. The cherry of the tree Avhen ripe in autumn, is much used in the southern 478 MATERIA MEDICA. states for making bounce and cordial. The gum of the common cherry tree, is a good substitute for the gum arabic. CHICK-WEED, RED. Annagallis Phenicea. Called also red pimpernel, guach-hul. Is cultiva- ted in many gardens, and grows spontaneously near Baltimore and Havre de Grace. According to the deposition of Valentine Kettiring to the legislature of Pennsylvania, and report made by their committee, the red chick-weed is a specific in that most dreadful of all diseases, the hydrophobia, or bite of a mad dog. The dose for an adult is a small table- Bpoonful of the dried leaves in powder. For beasts the dose is much larger. CINQUEFOIL. Potentilla Reptans, Grows on pasture grounds, and is something similar to strawberry. The stalks trail along the ground, and have but five leaves on each stalk, placed together, of unequal size, and bear a yellow flower. The whole of the plant, particularly the root, in the form of decoction, a handful to a quart of water, or milk, boiled slowly, and sweetened with loaf sugar, is recommended as a remedy for the dysentery and bowel complaints. The dose for adults is a tea-cupful three or four times a day, and one third or half the quantity for children. CLEAVERS, See Goose Grass. COAKUM. See Pokeweei. MATERIA MEDICA. 479 COCK-UP-HAT, OR YAU WEED. Stillingia, Grows on the high dry lands of the southern states, and is much used there as a cathartic medicine. It is employed in the cure of that hideous disease, the yaws, and is said to be a specific in the venereal disease. COHUSH, OR PAPOOSE ROOT. Caulophyllum Thalictroides. Grows about two feet high, in low moist rich grounds near running streams, and on islands that have been overflowed. The leaves grow on small stalks near the top of the stem, which resembles the hand and fingers f The flowers are of a pale blue colour, which yield a berry something like grapes. The root is composed of many fibres, and is crooked, resembling the rattle snake root. An infusion of the root, a handful to a quart of boiling water, in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, or the same quantity steeped in a quart of spirits, in doses of a Avine-glassful twice or thrice a day, is highly extolled by the country people as a remedy for the rheumatism, and serviceable in cases of obstruc- tion of the menses and dropsical complaints. COLT'S FOOT. Tussilago Farfara, Grows about eight inches high, in moist situations, producing yellow flowers early in the spring, which appear before the leaves. These are soon succeeded by large roundish leaves, which have a bitterish mucila- ginous taste. It is said a decoction of the leaves and flowers, tvvo handfuls to a quart of water, with or Avithout milk, 480 MATERIA MEDICA. taken freely, is serviceable in coughs, consumptions, diarrhoeas and dropsical complaints. The leaves pow- dered fine, and used as snuff, removes giddiness and obstructions of the head. COLUMBO AMERICAN. Columba Americana, Grows plentifully in the western country, in the vi- cinity of the Ohio river, and from abundant experi- ments, is found fully equal to the imported. Columbo root has long been esteemed a powerful antiseptic and tonic, and as such, has been employed with manifest advantage in gangrene, cholera morbus, bilious vomit- ing, or purging, bilious fever, indigestion, want of ap- petite, &c. It may be given in powder in doses of a small tea-spoonful every three or four hours; or in de- coction in doses of a tea-cupful. Two or three ounces of the root steeped in a quart of spirit, form an excel- lent bitter, which, when taken in mint water, or infusion of orange peal, in doses of a table-spoonful, is excellent for moderating the retching in pregnant women. COMFREY. Consolida, GroAVs about two feet high in moist situations neai springs, but is cultivated in our gardens. The leaves are large, similar to water dock, flowers of a pale blue colour; the roots long, rather thicker than a man's fin- ger, mucilaginous, and black externally, but white within. A handful of the roots boiled in milk, and given in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, is a po- pular remedy in dysentery, bowel complaints, and the fluor albus or whites. It is also beneficial as a diet drink in the clap, or in other cases attended with a burning heat in making water. MATERIA MEDICA. 481 CORIANDER Coriandrum, Is cultivated in our gardens. The seeds are warm, and of a pleasant flavour, and in doses from a tea, to a table-spoonful, have been found useful in cases of in- digestion, and flatulence. When.mixed with senna, they more effectually correct the odour and taste of the infusion, than any other aromatic. They also form an excellent addition to ingredients for bitters. COW PARSNIP. Heracleum Sphondylium, Is found in hedges, meadoAvs and pastures; but should be carefully distinguished from the hemlock or wild parsnip that groAvs in hedges, and is poisonous. According to Dr. Orne of Salem, it has been often used with success in epilepsy, especially in cases of in- digestion with flatulence. The dose is three drachms of the powdered root, taken daily, and a strong in- .fusion of the leaves and tops drank at bed time. CRANE'S BILL. Geranium Maculatum. Improperly called by some crow foot. It grows five or six inches high in meadows and woods; has long slender stalks, with seven long narroAV leaves at a joint. The root is generally crooked and knotted, blackish on the outside and reddish; has a rough taste, with an * ^aromatic flavour. When applied externally, it is highly extolled for its styptic power, in stopping hemorrhages of wounded vessels. The powdered root in dose of a tea-spoonful thrice or four times a day, or a decoction in milk, used as a common drink, is said to be excellent in checking 48£ MATERIA MEDICA, * immoderate menstrual discharges, also the whites and gleets/ and obstinate diarrhoea. The following account of the efficacy of crane's bill, as stated by Dr. Mease in the Medical Museum, de- serves the attention of the reader: The son of Mr. David Cooper, near Woodbury, partially divided the artery at the wrist with the point of a hatchet in trimming a tree; the wound bled pro- fusely, and an aneurismatic tumour of the size of a puU let's egg, Avas quickly formed. Dr. Hendry", who was immediately called, applied the tourniquet, and also a piece of flat lead to the tumour; and apprehending that the usual operation would be necessary, requested the assistance of Dr. Wm. Shippen from Philadelphia. On the arrival of that gentleman, the operation was resolv- ed on; when the father of the young man insisted upon the trial of a vegetable remedy, which he said he had learned the use of from one of the aborigines of our country. He immediately repaired to the woods, and returned with some of the specific, which was pounded in a mortar with a little cold water, and applied to the part, and in a short time, to the great satisfaction of the sufferer and his friends, checked the bleeding. The tourniquet was left on as a precautionary measure, but fortunately no occasion offered for using it. In the course of a few days the wound healed, and the young man had no further trouble. A man in pruning a tree, divided the stout muscles of the fore-arm in an oblique direction : the wound was full four inches in length, and bled profusely from a targe artery and numerous smaller vessels. His shirt sleeve was filled Avith blood; for being made tight round his Avrist and fore-arm, it prevented the blood from escaping, and forming a coagulum round the bleeding orifice, checked for a short time a further effusion. The poAverful effects produced by the geranium i# * the former case, induced Dr. Hendry to apply it in the present; accordingly he procured some of the roots, and after washing and pounding them, filled the Avound therewith : the effect upon the smaller vessels was al- most instantaneous in checking the profusion of their MATERIA MEDICA. 483 contents, and the bleeding in a short time entirely ceas-N ed; and although, as in the former case, the tourniquet was very properly suffered to remain, yet no occasion offered for using it Another case occurred of a wound in the ancle from a scythe, which had bled so profusely as to cause the man to faint; but on the application of the geranium by Dr. Hendry as above, it ceased in a short time. In the instance of a violent vomiting of blood, which had resisted a variety of remedies, an infusion of the plant in water, produced the desired effect in a few minutes. Another instance mentioned to me by Dr. H. of the # astringent effects of the geranium, was that of a young man who had a most obstinate hemorrhage from the socket of a jaw-tooth, wliich had been extracted. An attempt Avas made by a physician from Philadelphia to close the bleeding orifice by burning it with a red hot needle, but without effect; on the application, hoAv- ever, of the geranium, the bleeding soon ceased. In consequence of the virtues of the geranium having been so often experienced about Woodbury in cases of hem- orrhage, the inhabitants have been induced to cultivate the plant in their gardens; and it would be well if their example were followed by every one in the coun- try ; for though Providence has diffused the valuable plant over every part of our country, yet as it grows principally in the woods, and the accident it is intend- ed to relieve may admit of no delay, and often happens in winter when the plant cannot be found, it should be transferred to every garden, that it may be at hand when wanted. CROSSWORT. See Tlwroughicort. CROW FOOT. Ranunculus Bulbosus. A very acrid plant, growing in meadows and fields. The leaves or roots bruised, and applied to any part 484 MATERIA MEDICA. of the body, will soon raise a blister, and ought to be used when the Spanish flies cannot be obtained. The roots collected in the fall, may be very well preserved through the winter, by burying them in some fine dry sand. CUCKOLD. See Agrimony. CUCKOW BREAD. See the following. CUCKOW PINT. Arum Maculatum, Also called lords and ladies, wake robbin, dragon root. Grows in shady places, ditch-banks, and rough ground. The leaves are generally bespangled with black and white spots, and striped in gaudy style; whence the country people have given it the name of lords and ladies. The root is bulbous, resembling a small turnip. Both this and the leaves in a fresh state, are ex- tremely acrid, and have been used with advantage ex- ternally for blistering, and internally in cachexies, rheu- matisms, and all other complaints of cold phlegmatic habits. Of the fresh root, from ten to thirty grains may be taken thrice a day, in the form of emulsion, Avith gum arabic, or cherry tree gum. The root, which should be used fresh, may be kept so for a year, by burying it in a cellar in sand. CUCUMBER ROOT. Medeola Virginica. According to professor Barton, it is a very common plant. The root is white, and tastes a good deal like the cucumber. It possesses diuretic properties, and has cured dropsies. MATERIA MEDICA. 485 CURE-ALL. See Avens. CURRANTS. Ribes. The white, red, and black currants, all grow luxuri- antly in our gardens, and when perfectly ripe, and made Avith sugar and water, into the form of lemonades, serves as a most grateful and cooling drink in fevers. * An infusion of the bark, sweetened with currant jelly, or honey, is an excellent gargle in the sore throat, and an infusion of the young shoots is said to be beneficial in eruptive fevers. Currants afford an excellent wine, for making which, the following is an admirable recipe. Of red or white currants ripe take fourteen pounds, broke into three gallons of water, and let stand for two days, when the stalks, &c. will all be at top. Press off all the stalks, and while straining the mixture, add twelve pounds of sugar, turn it into a cask, and keep it full enough to let the feculent matter work out— re- peatedly removing it, and filling up, until no more rises, which will be in about fourteen days; add to it one quart of spirits nearly tasteless, or else brandy, and bung up close—keeping it at least six months be- fore it is bottled. Let the currants be gathered free from dew or rain; and if they be spread a day or two before they are used, they will be none the worse. Fourteen pounds will make one gallon juice, twelve pounds of sugar another gallon; therefore the above ingredients should be equal to five gallons, and enough to fill up with. CUSTARD APPLE. Annona Triloba. Is said to be a good purgative medicine, 3n 486 MATERIA MEDICA. DANDELION. Leontodon Teraxacum. Vulgarly called piss-abeds; groAvs in meadows, pas- tures, and road sides and ditch-banks, with yellow flowers, which blow from April to September, and possesses the remarkable quality of expanding early in the morning, and closing in the evening. The root, leaves and stalk contain a large proportion of bitter milky juice, which, in doses of a wine-glassful tAvice or thrice a day, is good in chronic inflammations of the liver, dropsies, difficulty of making water, and other complaints arising from obstructions of the viscera. It may also be taken in the form of a strong decoction, from a gill to a half pint twice or thrice a day. DEADLY NIGHTSHADE. See Nightshade Deadly. DEERBERRY. See Mountain Tea. DEVIL'S BIT. Veratrum Luteum. The root of this plant is a very pungent bitter, and is employed as a tonic, either in the form of tincture or infusion. In this last form it has also been employed as a vermifuge. DEWBERRY. Bee Blackberry. DILL. Anethum Graveoleus. Flourishes in our gardens, producing seed delight- fully aromatic, which, in doses of one or two tea-spoon- fuls, are excellent to remove flatulent colics, and assist digestion. MATERIA MEDICA. 487 DOCfe WATER, OR WATER DOCK, Rumex Aquaticus, Grows in wet ditches, mill-ponds, sides of rivers, and in shallow water, flowering in July and August. Half a pint of a decoction of the leaves or roots, two handfuls to a quart of boiling water, or two or three tea-spoonfuls of the dried roots in powder, taken two or three times a day, is an admirable medicine to SAveeten and purify the blood in scurvy, scald head, tet- ter worm, and other cutaneous diseases. The fresh roots bruised, and mixed with vinegar, or in strong decoction, is a good cure of the ring worm, and has often subdued that filthy complaint the itch, when quack medicines, and even sulphur had failed. It is also well worthy trying in form of poultice to tumors and cancerous ulcers. The curled dock, narrow and broad leaved dock, which groAV in yards and cultivated fields, are all va- rieties of this useful plant, and possess similarlvirtues. It is said the narrow leaved dock, applied in the form of fomentation and poultice, to a cancerous sore, and from a pint to a quart of the decoction taken daily, made a perfect cure. DOGWOOD. Cornus Florida. The bark of this famous tree, which may well be termed the cinchona or Peruvian bark of North Ame- rica, possesses like that all those tonic poAvers, Avhich give it such admirable control over intermittents, gan- grene, and all diseases proceeding from debility. From my own observation in practice, I am abun- dantly warranted in pronouncing it generally preferable to the imported bark, which is often injured by adulte- rations. Like the Peruvian bark, but in someAvhat larger doses, it may be used in substance or decoction. 488 MATERIA MEDICA. infusion or tincture, either alone or conjoined with snake root, or some of the aromatics. But the shape in which it will be found most agreeable, is that of an ex- tract, which is easily prepared by boiling the bark, straining it, and then evaporating it very slowly to the consistence of honey. To prevent the fatal effects of burning it, the vessel in which it is evaporated, should be of the wide mouth sort, placed in a large pot of boiling Avater, and often stirred towards the close of the operation. The dose is from a half to a whole tea-spoonful, thrice or four times a day. The beautiful red berries of dogAvood, combined with lemon peel, snake root, calimus, or any other warm aromatic seeds, form a fine bitter against the common fall complaints. DRAGON'S CLAW. See Fever Root. DRAGON ROOT- See Cuckow Pint ELDER COMMON, OR BLACK. Sambucus Niger. Grows to the height of a small tree, in hedges, and along the borders of meadows : the young shoots are full of pith, and the old stalks empty; flowers in July, and the berry of a blackish purple colour when ripe. The expressed juice of elder berries put into a plate, or wide mouth vessel, and evaporated in the sun to the state of an extract, in doses from a tea, to a table-spoonful, acts as a good aperient medicine. A tea made of the leaves, a large handful to a quart of boiling water, and taken freely, removes a costive habit, promotes perspiration, and thus proves useful in eruptions of the skin, St. Anthony's fire, colds, drop- sies, and all obstructions of the viscera. The inner green bark, steeped in wine, a large handful to a pint, or made into a strong decoction, purges gently, in doses MATERIA MEDICA. 489 of a gill. The flowers stewed with lard, form a good ointment for burns. Elder berries also form an excellent Avine, according to the following recipe : Elder Avine is made by mix- ing twelve gallons and a half of ripe elder berry juice, and forty-two pounds of sugar, with thirty-seven gal- lons and a half of water, that previously has had boiled in it six ounces of ginger, and nine ounces of pimento, bruised and strained off; and when it has nearly cooled, raiher less than milk Avarm, add a pint of thin breAv- er's yeast, and let it ferment for fourteen days, in the barrel, then bung up close, and bottle in six months. ELECAMPANE. Inula Helineum, Grows three or four feet high, in stony pastures, and by the road side; flowers large and yellow, in July and August; and the root when dry, has an agreeable aromatic smell, and in a decoction sweetened with honey, or in the form of sirup, or a tea-spoonful of the poAvdered root in molasses, is recommended for promo- ting expectoration in asthma and coughs. The fresh root, in ointment, or strong decoction, is said to cure the itch. ELM, AMERICAN, OR SLIPPERY Ulmus Americana. My very learned friend, professor Mitchell, has witnessed its good effects internally in catarrhs, pleurisies, and quinsies; and externally as a poul- tice for gun-shot Avounds, tumors, and all ulcers and sores accompanied with irritation. A tea-spoon- ful of the inner bark in powder, to a quart of boiling water, or a simple infusion of the bark in boiling Avater. forms an astonishingly rich jelly, which I have often tried with the happiest effects, in diarrhoea and dysen 490 MATERIA MEDICA. tery. With the addition of a little sugar, lemon juice, citron, or nutmeg, it might be made an excellent sub- stitute for sago or arroAV root. I am indebted for this improvement to the reverend and very amiable Dr. Gant, many years chaplain to congress, and physician to Mr. Jefferson. This learned gentleman, universally celebrated for his successful treatment of dysentery, declared to me, with great candor, that he ascribed much of his reputation in that dangerous disease to this fine jelly. EMETIC WEED, OR INDIAN TOBACCO. Lobelia Inflata, Grows in dry fields, and rises to the height of one or two feet, with branched stems, flowering in July and August, Avith bloAvn cups, filled with numerous small seeds. The blossoms are solitary in a kind of spike, of a pale blue colour. The leaves are oblong, and have a very acrid and pungent taste, similar to that of tobacco. The leaves collected in August, while the plant is in blossom, and carefully dried and preserved, act as a speedy and excellent emetic,* in doses from ten to tAventy grains ; or it may be exhibited in the form of a saturated tincture, in doses from a tea to a table- spoonful. As it is a medicine of considerable activity, it should be giA'en in small quantities, and the dose repeated every ten or fifteen minutes, until it excites vomiting. From its speedy operation, as an emetic, there is no doubt it Avould be an effectual remedy for the croup and hooping cough. In small doses it must be of great utility in consumptive and other coughs, by exciting expectoration. It is, however, valued on account of its approaching nearer to a specific in that most dis- tressing disease the asthma, than any other that has been yet discovered. The following highly interesting observations from the Rev. Dr. M. Cutter, an eminent botanist, who first MATERIA MEDICA. 491 noticed the virtues of this plant, is Related in Dr. Thatcher's American new Dispensatory. " By chewing a small portion of it, commonly not more than one of the capsules, it proves a gentle emetic. If the quantity be a little increased, it operates as an emetic, and then as a cathartic, its effects being much the same as those of the common emetics and cathartics. " It has been my misfortune to be an asthmatic for about ten years. I have made trial of a great variety of the usual remedies, with very little benefit. In seve- ral paroxysms, I had found relief more frequently than from any thing else, from the skunk cabbage. The last summer I had the severest attack I ever experi- enced. It commenced early in August, and continued about eight weeks. Dr. Drury, of Marblehead, also an asthmatic, had made use of a tincture of the Indian tobacco, by the advice of a friend, in a severe paroxysm early in the spring. It gave him immediate relief, and he has been entirely free from the complaint from that time. I had a tincture made of the fresh plant, and took care to have the spirit fully saturated, which I think is im- portant. In a paroxysm, which was perhaps as severe as I ever experienced, the difficulty of breathing ex- treme, and after it had continued a considerable time, I took a table-spoonful. In three or four minutes my breathing was as free as it ever Avas, but felt no nausea at the stomach. In ten minutes I took another spoon- ful, which occasioned sickness. After ten minutes I took the third, which produced sensible effects upon the coats of the stomach, with moderate puking, and a kind of prickly sensation through the whole system, even to the extremities of the fingers and toes. The urinary passage was perceptibly effected with a smart- ing sensation in passing urine, which was probably provoked by stimulus on the bladder. But all these sensations very soon subsided, and a vigour seemed to be restored to the constitution, which I had not ex- perienced for years, I have not since had a paroxysm, and only a few times some small symptoms of asthma. • Besides the violent attacks, I had scarcely passed a night without more or less of it, and often so as not m MATERIA MEDICA. to be able to lio in bed. Since that time, I have enjoy- ed as good health as perhaps before the first attack. Dr. Cutler states a particular case has been related to him, of an effectual cure of the hydrophobia, or bite of a mad dog, on the last stage of the disease, by this plant. In a disease so formidable as this, it is certainly worthy of trial." ERGOT, OR SPURRED RYE. Secale Cornutum. Rye is subject to a disease in Ioav wet situations, or when a hot summer succeeds a rainy spring. The spu- rious substance called ergot, is found projecting from among the leaves of the spike or ear; it is a long crook- ed excrescence, resembling the spur of a cock, point- ed at the extremity, of a dark brown colour externally, and white within. Some spikes are occupied Avholly by spurs, while others have two or three only, inter- spersed with genuine seeds of rye. This extraordinary substance possesses considerable medicinal properties. In lingering and laborious cases in childbed, it acts as an invaluable medicine, speedily inducing forcible pains, and expediting delivery. It is given in the form of powder, in doses from five to fifteen grains, hut it has sometimes been found more active in the form of decoction, prepared by gently boiling thirty grains of the powder in a half a pint of water, of which one third may be taken every twenty minutes, until proper pains shall have commenced. It is proper, however, to caution the domestic prac- titioner against employing this powerful medicine in cases of preternatural presentation, or even in every case of natural presentation. The powerful and con- tinued efforts of the uterus, from the effects of the er- got, prevent the retreat of the child's head after being advanced, and that the unceasing pressure in some in- stances, occasioned the death of the child. Let this circumstance, therefore, have its due effect, and induce MATERIA MEDICA. 493 the utmost precaution in the administration of this poAV- erful article. This medicine has also been successfully employed in cases of obstructed menses, or monthly evacuations. See Thatcher's Dispensatory. EVERGREEN CASSINE. See South Sea Tea. FEATHERFEW, OR FEVERFEW. Matricaria Vulgaris. It is frequently cultivated in gardens. A handful of the leaves and tops infused in a quart of water, and given in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day? is used by country people to promote the menses, to strengthen the stomach, to raise the spirits, and promote perspiration in colds and fevers. FENNEL, SWEET. Fceniculum Dulce, Grows kindly in our gardens. A tea-spoonful of the seeds Avith a little sugar and spirits, is a common remedy among the country people in flatulent colic. To children afflicted Avith the above complaint, an infusion of the seeds sweetened is highly serviceable. The seeds yield an aromatic oil, which, in doses from tAvo to twelve drops, remove flatulence, promotes expecto- ration, and is serviceable in coughs. FERN FEMALE, OR BACKACH BRAKE. Grows near ponds, and in moist pastures, about twehv, inches high. The leaves are single, winged, and about a hand's length ; the root is about the size of 3 o 494 MATERIA MEDICA. a goose quill, of a brown colour, very sweet, and of a mucilaginous taste. A quart of a strong decoction of the roots, and a pint of honey formed into a sirup, by gently simmering, and given in doses of a table-spoonful every hour or two, is esteemed highly beneficial in all violent coughs. It is said that three parts of the roots of this plant, and one part of sumach root, boiled slowly in any kind of spirits, until it becomes slimy, and then applied Avarm to the spine, has frequently relieved the backach; hence the vulgar name, backach brake. It has also been employed as a remedy for the rickets in children. FERN, MALE. Polypodium. Called also sweet fern, male polypody. It grows in Avoods and stony places, flowering from June to Oc- tober. The root, when chewed, is somewhat mucilaginous and sweet, and aftenvards astringent and bitter. SAveet fern in poAvder in doses from one to tAvo tea- spoonfuls, or a decoction, a pint a day, folloAved on the fifth day with a dose of castor oil, or some pur- gative medicine, is esteemed a powerful medicine against worms, and particularly the tape worm. FEVER BUSH, OR WILD ALLSPICE. Dumns Febris, ■ GrpAA's in meadoAVs and sAvamps, and generally rises five or six feet high, leaves numerous and someAvhat spearshaped ; the blossoms rather of a reddish colour; the berries are blood red, and of a pleasant smell. A handful of the twigs of this bush, infused in a quart of boiling Avater, and given in doses of a tea cup- ful every hour or two, is said to be extremely cooling, and beneficial in fevers. MATERIA MEDICA. 495 A handful or two of the berries infused in a quart of spirits, forms a pleasant bitter. FEVER ROOT, OR DRAGONS CLAW. Grows upon mountains, and the sides of hills, about six or seven inches high; the leaves groAV in a cluster from the top of the root, spearshaped, blossoms yel- low ; the root black, about the size of cloves, very ten- der, resembling the claAvs of the animal whose narae it bears. When it is pulverized and exposed to tlie air, it va ill liquify. The root in form of poAvder in doses of a tea-spoon- ful, or in the form of decoction, a handful to a quart of water, in doses of a tea-cupful every hour, is esteemed an excellent medicine in bilious fever, pleurisy, colds, St. Anthony's fire, *and other febrile diseases. FIG TREE. Fie us. This tree ought more generally to be cultivated in our gardens, as it affords a fruit both grateful to the stomach, and easy of digestion, possessing also medi- cinal properties. A decoction of figs makes an excellent gargle for cleansing the throat and mouth, and the fruit, external- ly applied to tumors, or gum-biles, is good to promote suppuration. When unripe, figs, as well as the whole tree, yield an acrid milky juice, which if taken, proves both emetic and purgative, but externally is a mild caustic—hence is frequently used to remove warts, ring and tetter Avorins. 496 MATERIA MKDICA. FLAG BLUE, OR WATER FLAG. Iris Pseudacorus, Grows by the brink of rivers, in sAvamps, and mea- dows, blossoming in July; flowers blue, variegated with white, yelloAV and purple. The juice, in doses of a tea-spoonful, diluted with Avater. is said to be an active cathartic medicine, and to produce copious evacuations from the bowels, and to be useful in dropsy and dysentery. It produces simi- lar effects in poAvder, from thirty to sixty grains, and has been employed as a vermifuge. In the form of de- coction, used as a diet drink, it is greatly extolled in venereal cases. The root of the yelloAV flag, mixed with the food of ho%> that have been bitten by a mad dog, has been known to save. Avhen Avithout it others have run mad FLAG, SWEET. See Calimus. FLAXSEED. Linum. Possesses great medicinal virtues. An infusion, or tea, is the most suitable drink for patients labouring under violent colds, coughs, difficulty or burning in making water. The flaxseed sirup, Avhich is prepared by adding a pint of honey to a quart of strong tea, and simmering it aAvay slowly by a gentle lire for an hour, observing to take off the scum as it rises, I have found to be a most valuable medicine in diseases of the breast and lungs, in doses from a tea to a table-spoonful, every hour or two, or oftener when the cough is trouble- some. The flaxseed, braised, also forms one of the Lest emollient poultices Avith wliich we are acquainted MATERIA MEDICA. 497 FLEA BANE, PHILADELPHIA. Erigeron Philadelphicum. Called by some, skerish. It is said, by professor Barton, to be a very common plant in many parts of the United States, and that in the form of infusion or decoction, it operates powerfully as a diuretic, and also as a sudorific. It is likeAvise reputed to be a good remedy for promoting the menstrual discharge. In Virginia there is a plant called piss-wort, Avhich is esteem-ed a powerful medicine in cases of strangury or difficulty of urine. FLOWER DE LUCE. See Flag Blue. FLUX ROOT. See Pleurisy Root FOXGLOVE. Digitalis Purpurea, Has lately been cultivated in our gardens. It rises to the height of tAvo or more feet, and its leaves are large, egg-shaped, notched like a saAV, and covered Avith hairs. Blossoms of a beautiful purple colour, hanging downwards in a row along one side, which are compa- red Avith the finger of a glove, and in the inside are ele- gantly mottled Avith spots like little eyes. The fox-glove has been employed Avith advantage in those disorders Avhere the frequency of the pulse re- quires to be abated. In the incipient stage of consump- tion, it has, by diminishing the circulation through the lungs, frequently succeeded in arresting the progress of the disease. It has also been advantageously employed in the second stage, but here it should be exhibited with the greatest precaution. The treatment of consumption with fox-glove, cannot be more satisfactorily shoAvn, than 498 MATERIA MEDICA. in the folloAving practical remarks of my learned friend, Dr. John Spence, of Dumfries, Virginia, communicated in that useful work, the NeAV-York Medical Reposi- tory: i( In the incipient stage of consumption, where there is considerable vigour of constitution, particularly if at- tended with active hemorrhage from the lungs, I push the use of the digitalis cautiously, but freely ; that is, I try to reduce the pulse under sixty strokes in a minute, and maintain this depression for two or three weeks, notwithstanding there be occasionally considerable and distressing nausea. At the same time, I advise a milk and vegetable diet, with gentle exercise on horseback, or in a carriage, Avhen the Aveather will admit, and the use of the swing-chair for an hour at a time, twice or thrice a day. When the pains about the chest are wan- dering, I also advise the repeated application of a blis- ter, anol other stimulating plasters, to the breast, and between the shoulders; but if the pain be fixed, I pre- fer the introduction of a seton, as near the part affected as possible. My patient is also directed to drink mode- rately of emollient teas, or tar water, to be Avarmly clothed, to avoid cold and Avet feet, and setting up late at night. All great exertions of the body, but particu- larly of the lungs, as singing, or speaking loud, must also be carefully'avoided. In the second, or more advanced stage of this disease, accompanied with a quick pulse and great general de- bility, the treatment is very different. The fox-glove must be so managed, as to loAver the pulse, and mode- rate the fever; but never push to such an extent, as to excite nausea or sickness at the stomach. A little ex- perience will soon enable a judicious and attentive prac- titioner to ascertain the dose adapted to his patient's constitution; and as soon as he has attained this knoAV- ledge, he must be persevering in the use of the medicine. At this period of the disease, the patient's strength must never be suffered to languish. He must be supported by nutritious diet. Agreeably to the present manner of society, Iavo or three meals are taken in the course of the day; but this mode of eating is Aery improper with MATERIA MEDICA. 499 delicate constitutions, more food being generally eaten at such stated periods, than is necessary ; thereby cau- sing great heat, accelerating the pulse, and throwing the whole system into commotion. The diet should be nourishing, and of easy digestion, such as jellies, broths, eggs boiled soft, oysters raw or moderately roasted; in- deed a bit of fowl, beef, mutton or venison, dressed rare, may be taken in small quantities every two or three. hours throughout the day. This deviation from the present fashion of eating is indispensable, ample nou- rishment being thereby thrown into the system without exciting irritation. At the same time I recommend solid fo6d in this Avay, I forbid the use of spices, Avine, or spirits. The same directions respecting topical appli- cations and exercise, are equally applicable to this, as the incipient stage, and particularly, the exercise of SAvinging; and care must be taken, that the sAving chair be so constructed, that the patient may be perfectly at ease, Avithout being afflicted by fatigue, or bodily exer- tion." Many other respectable physicians bear testimony in favour of this medicine in consumptive cases. Dr. Bed- does, of London, considers the fox-glove almost as in- fallible a remedy in consumption, as the Peruvian bark in intermittents, From its poAver of reducing the force of the circulation, it is esteemed likewise a valuable remedy in bleeding of the nose, spitting of blood, and excessive discharge of the menses, and also in palpita- tion of the heart from the passions of the mind or intem- perance. Dr. Rand, of Boston, has experienced the most de- cidedly good effects of this medicine in most of the pre- ceding complaints. In one instance of hsemoptoe, or spitting of blood, in a very athletic young man, where the discharge eluded the force of every other medicine, it reduced the pulse in eight hours, from one hundred to fifty pulsations in a minute, and stopped the hemor- rhage. He has also given the medicine with complete success in cases of mental derangement. Fox-glove possesses also diuretic poAver, and has long been employed in dropsy. It unquestionably acts 500 MATERIA MEDICA. powerfully as a diuretic, or in evacuating the water in dropsy, and will be found of the greatest utility in every species of this disease, but more especially the dropsy of the breast, Avhen there exists an increased action in the system. However, from the respectable authority of Dr. Wi- thering, and the celebrated Dr. Darwin, Ave are assured it has been exhibited with the most happy effects, in cases of extreme debility, where the pulse was feeble, intermitting, and the countenance pale. It should not be given in such doses as to excite much sickness or purge, otherwise it will not produce its diuretic effect. The best rule for its administration, is to commence with the smaller doses, twice or thrice a day, and gra- dually increase the quantity daily, until the medicine either acts on the kidnies, the stomach, or the bowels; and on the first appearance of any of these effects, it is to be suspended. After evacuating the water, tonic or strengthening medicines should be employed. Dr. Currie, another physician of great eminence in England, has employed this medicine with signal advantage in inflammation of the brain, heart, and lungs, and found it also an excel- lent remedy in the inflammatory rheumatism. The leaves of this plant are the part in use, of Avhich from one to three grains in powder, may be given to an adult twice or thrice a day, alone, or united Avith some aro- matic, or the powder may be formed into pills with soap, or the crumbs of bread, or it may be given in the form of infiision, by infusing a drachm of the dried leaves in half a pint of boiling Avater, for four hours, adding to the strained liquor one ounce of any spirituous Avater, from one to two table- spoonfuls to be given twice or thrice a day, as a medium dose for an adult. Another more con- venient Avay of ascertaining the dose of fox-glove, is by making a saturated tincture of it in proof spirits, Avhich has the tAvofold advantage of being invariable in its original strength, and of keeping a long time, without losing any of its virtue. Put tAvo of the leaves nicely dried, and coarsely powdered, into half a pint of spirits ; let it stand by the fire side twenty-four hours or longer. MATERIA MEDICA. 501 frequently shaking the bottle, and thus making a satura- ted tincture of fox-glove, which must be poured from the sediment, or passed through filtering paper. From twenty to sixty drops of the tincture may be taken in a little mint water or tea two or three times a day. This medicine has also been externally applied Avith good effects. An infusion of it is recommended as a good wash for painful cutaneous eruptions or ulcerations. An ointment, prepared by simmering the leaves in lard or fresh butter, has been found successful in scrophnlous ulcers and scald head. FRENCH APPLE. See Thorn Apple. FROSTWORT. Systis Canadensis, Grows in woods about two feet high; leaves small and numerous, of a whitish colour like frost; the stalk purple; flowers of a pale colour, producing a .small pod with very small seed. It is said in cases of scrophula, or king's evil, an infusion of the leaves, a handful to a quart of boiling water, in doses of a tea-cupful three times a day, and the leaves in the form of poultice, applied to the sAvell- ing twice a day, has performed.cures. FUMITORY. Fumaria Officinalis, Grows in corn-fields, and by fences, and rises a foot high; leaves pale green, and the flowers of a reddish purple. The leaves in the form of infusion, a handful to a quart of boiling water, and taken in doses of a tea- cupful thrice a day, are esteemed a good medicine in scabby eruptions, and all cutaneous diseases, particu- larly if the eruptions are washed with the infusion. f»6§ MATERIA MEDICA. GARGET. See Poke Weed. GARLIC, COMMON. Allium Sativum, Is highly stimulating, and therefore useful to persons of cold phlegmatic constitutions. It provokes the appe- tite, assists digestion, removes flatulence, promotes ex- pectoration and urine, and hence has long been used in scurvy, asthma, and dropsy. Where it cannot be taken in substance, the best forms are either in sirup or pills. Externally applied, it blisters the skin. A poultice or cataplasm of equal parts of bruised garlic and crumbs of bread, mixed with sharp vinegar, applied to the soles of the feet, in the low stage of acute disorders, or nervous fever, is good to raise the pulse, and relieve the head. Sydenham says it exceeds all other applications for occasioning a revulsion from the head, and that the efficacy of garlic thus applied every night, until slight inflammation is produced, is superior to Spanish flies. It is an excel- lent remedy in cases of croup or violent sore throats. See Onions. It will also be found a good application to the pubes in producing a discharge of urine, Avhen its retention has arisen from want of due action of the bladder. When made into an ointment, it is said to discuss cold and indolent tumours, and has been esteemed for its efficacy in cutaneous eruptions. In deafness, a small clove of the root, wrapped in gauze, cotton, or wool, moistened Avith the juice, and introduced into the ear, has frequently proved an efficacious remedy, if repeated twice or thrice a day. GENTIAN. Gentiana, Grows on the sides of roads, and in waste pastures, two or three feet high. The stem is strong, smooth, MATERIA MEDICA. 5Q3 and erect; the leaves, which rise from the lower part of the stem, are spear-shaped, large, ribbed and rough; flowers yellow, in Avhorls, terminating in yellow bitter berries. Its virtues are equal to the imported. It has long occupied the first place in all recipes for bitters, whether used to provoke the appetite, or give tone to the system. It may also be taken in the form of infu- sion, a small handful oftthe root to a quart of boiling water, in dose of a t^t-cupful three or four times a day. GINSENG. Panax Quinquefolium, ^ Grows in abundance on the sides of mountains, and in rich soils. My friend, Dr. Thornton, has some plants growing on his farm near Washington, which he obtain- ed at Monticello; he says it is easily cultivated. It flow- ers in July, and has black berries; the root has an agreeable sweetish taste, and is much esteemed by the Indians 5 it is also an article of exportation. , The leaves or root in the form ort. " He first deceased, she for a few months tried To live without him—lik'd it.not, and d:eri." 3ac 612 MATERIA MEDICA. PEPPER, R£D OR CAYENNE. Capsicum Annum, Is cultivated in our gardens ; it is a powerful stimu- lant, and has been found beneficial in chronic rheuma- tism. Those who are subject to flatulence will find be- nefit in using it with vegetables and soup. In cases of violent pain or cramp of the stomach, no medicine is superior to a strong infusion of red pepper, one or tw« pods to half a pint of spirits, in dose from a half to a wine-glassful. It is also useful, both as a medicine and gargle, in putrid sore throat, when infused in water. Steeped in spirits and applied warm to the extremi- ties in chronic rheumatism, or Ioav stages of nervous fever, when the circulation is languid, it has produced the most happy effects. PINKROOT, CAROLINA. Spigelia Marilandica, Gtoavs abundantly in the southern states, and is de- servedly esteemed a vermifuge, or destroyer of worms. An infusion, a handful to a quart of boiling water, ancfe one or two tea-cupfuls night and morning, is the usual form and dose. With the addition of milk and sugar, children will take it almost as readily as their tea. It sometimes occasions disagreeable affections of the eyes; Avhen this occurs, suspend the use of the medicine until these symptoms disappear, and then select from another parcel, or make tea of the tops only, as it is supposed the deleterious effects are in consequence of some other root being attached to it. Pinkroot is also considered a valuable medicine in fevers, as is verified daily, when given to children in a febrile state for a vermifuge, Avhen no other effect has been produced than a removal of the fever. MATERIA MLDICA. 0<*3 PISS WORT. See Flea Bane. PLANTAIN. Plantago, Has long been employed as an antidote against the bites of snakes, spiders, and other venomous insects. Tlie juice, extracted from the Avhole of the plant, is gen- erally given in doses of tAvo table-spoonfuls every hour, or oftener, until the patient is relieved. It is sometimes given in conjunction Avith horehound or rue. The leaves bruised are considered by some a good application to fresh wounds. PLEURISY ROOT. Asclepias Decumbens, Has a variety of names, as butterfly Aveed, flux root, decumbent swalloAV Avort. It is a beautiful plant, grow- ing tAvo or three feet high under fences and upland pas- tures. The flowers are of a bright orange colour, and appear in July and August. These are succeeded by long slender pods containing the seed, wliich have a de- licate kind of silk attached to them. The root is spin- dle or carrot-shaped, of a light brownish colour on the • outside, Avhite Avithin. This plant possesses great medicinal virtues, and ought therefore to be cultivated in our gardens. It has long been employed as a remedy in the treatment of vio- lent colds and pleurisies. No medicine is better calcu- lated than this to produce general and plentiful perspi- ration without heating the body, and hence its well-me- rited fame in curing the disease, Avhich name it bears. Mr. Thompson Mason, of Virginia, was among the first who noticed the virtues of this plant, and from his long 341 MATERIA MEDICA. experience of its utility in pleurisy, strongly recommen- ded it as a specific. He states, that after the use of an emetic, and the loss of some blood, in the incipient stage, he administered, of the pleurisy root finely powdered, as much as would lie upon the point of a case-knife in a cup of warm Avater, and repeated the dose every two hours until the patient recovered, which happened fre- quently in a very few days. By these simple means Mr. M. cured great numbers. We have also many of the most respectable physicians celebrating its virtues in pleurisy, and other recent af- fections of the breast. A tea-cupful of a strong infusion, a handful to a quart of boiling water, is given every two or three hours. Professor Barton says the root of this plant in powder possesses a purgative quality, and that he has used it with advantage in dysentery. Iu Vir- ginia also it has been used Avith great effect in this com- plaint. This root is frequently resorted to by country people for the relief of pains of the stomach from flatu- lence and indigestion, hence it is called by some vrind- root. My honourable friend, Paul Hamilton, esq. ascribes the same virtues of curing pleurisies and dysentery to a plant that grows in South Carolina, and which is also called Pleurisy Root, Asclepias.Erecius. He thus describes it: It groAvs in rich high lands. The root has the ap- pearance and taste of a small, long, SAveet potatoe ; the stalk erect; the leaves resembling the persimmon leaf, is situated transversely, and when broken, it throws out a viscid milk ; blossoms in May and June. The blos- soms are a cream colour, Avith purple centres. Twenty grains of this root in poAvder, he says, given in warm water or tea, is excellent in flatulent colic; and the same quantity repeated every two hours, in pleurisy, will sel- dom fail to bring on a perspiration, while its pectoral effects are admirable. MATERIA MEDICA. 54?5 POISON OAK. Rhus Toxicodendron, Embraces several species, the most dangerous of wliich is tlie swamp sumach. The poison may be communi- cated, not only by the touch, but also by the smoke, smell or steam, producing an eruption on the skin, with pain and itching, and sometimes attended with swol- len head and fever. One of the best remedies Avhich has come under my notice, is a wash of crude sal ammo- niac and corrosive sublimate, tAvo drachms of the former to one of the latter, in a quart of Avater, used externally twice or thrice a day, with a dose or two of salts, or an infusion of senna and salts. I have lately been inform- ed, from a source which can be relied on, that lime ava- ter excels any other application as a wash in this dis- tressing affection of the skin. The species called some- times poison wood, has a Ioav shrubby stalk, the leaves •somewhat heart-shaped, the flowers small, the berries round, and of a yellowish gray colour Avhen ripe. Dr. Anderson, of Hull, has employed the leaves of this spe- cies in doses from half a grain to four grains, three times a day, with success in paralytic cases. Poison vine, called also poison creeper, has a slen- der stem, and frequently climbs to the top of our tallest trees. The flowers, which appear in June, are small, of a light yellow colour, and have a delightful odour. An extract of the leaves, two grains to a dose, and in- creased, has been successfully employed in paralytic af- fections, as well as an infusion in tetter-worm and scald head. Professor Barton says, that a decoction has been used with seeming advantage in cases of consumption: and others say, that a decoction of the root is serviceable in asthma. 510 MATERIA MEDICA. POKE WEED. Phytolacca Decandra, Is knoAvn by a variety of names, as American night- shade, coakum, garget, skoke. The berries steeped in spirits, have long been employed in the chronic rheuma- tism. It has, hoAvever, sometimes failed, which may have been oAving to the peculiarity of constitution, or to the inertness ol the bounce or tincture from age, an effect often observed by professor Barton, as also by myself. From the authority of this learned professor, the juice of the ripe berries, inspissated to the state of an extract, and spread upon a rag, or upon the leaf of the plant, is an excellent application to scrofulous or indolent tumours. The juice of the leaves has been ap- plied in the same manner with equal advantage. An ointment of the leaAres Avith lard is good in various kinds of ulcers. The roots bruised are sometimes applied to the hands and feet of patients in ardent feAers. To make an extract, expose to a moderate and'continued hear, the juice of the berries or leaves, until by evapo- ration, it thickens to the consistence of honey. It may also be made* from the root^ wliich is equally efficacious. Boil the roots for some time, strain the decoction, and then reboil it to a thick consistence. Other virtues have been recently ascribed to this plant by respectable phy- sicians. An infusion of the leaves is recommended externally as an admirable remedy for the piles. One ounce of the root steeped in a pint of wine, and given to the quan- tity of two table-spoonfuls, is said to operate mildly as an emetic. It is also said this plant may be relied on as an efficacious remedy for the venereal disease, in its various stages, even without the aid of mercury. From my own experience of the virtues of poke weed, I can recommend it as a most valuable medicine in rheu- matic and gouty affections, as also in nocturnal pains, and obstinate ulcerations in the venereal disease, brought MATERIA MEDICA. 547 on by the excessive use of mercury. The usual form of exhibition is the bounce, a wine-glassful three times a day. The bounce is prepared by filling a jug with tlie whole berries when ripe, and then pouring as much spirits to them as the vessel will contain. An ointment, prepared by simmering slowly the leaves or a handful of the root scraped in a pint of hog's lard, with a small portion of beeswax, has been used with great success in cancers, and various kinds of ulcers. polygonum: An infusion of it, as diet drink, is a powerful promo ter of urine, and very useful in gravel complaints. POLYPODY, COMMON. Polypodium, Grows on old walls, shady places, and at the roots of trees, flowering from June to October. The root has a sweetish taste, but by long boiling, becomes bitter. An infusion of half an ounce of the fresh root in half a pint of boiling water, in doses of a wine-glassful every hour or two, operates as a. mild laxative. " POMEGRANATE. Punica, Is cultivated in the southern gardens. The fruit is agreeable to the palate, and possesses the general pro- perties of subacid fruits. Its rind boiled in milk, and drank freely, or in powder, a tea-spoonful for a dose, three times a day, has been used Avith success, in diar- rhoeas, dysenteries, and other diseases requiring astrin- gent medicines. The flowers possess the virtues of the rind, only in a less degree. 54$ MATERIA MEDICA* POPLAR TREE, OR WHITE WOOD Liriodendrum Tulipifera. The bark of this noble tree, as well as the root, is a very strong bitter, and considerably aromatic. In intermittents, in the last stage of dysentery, and other disorders requiring tonic medicines, it is consider- ed but little inferior to the PeruAdan bark, and is gene- rally employed in similar doses and forms. There is another species of poplar, the aspen tree, populus tremula, the bark of wliich, according to pro- fessor Barton, is also an excellent tonic and stomachic. POPPY, WHITE. Papaver Somniferum, Grows in our gardens, and yields a juice, Avhich, when inspissated to a proper consistence, is called opium. According to the experiments of Dr. S. Ricketson, of Dutchess county, New York, the opium obtained from our poppies, is equal, if not superior to the im- ported. With respect to the method of cultivating the plant, and preserving the opium, we shall insert the directions given by Dr. Ricketson. " The poppy seeds should be planted about the mid- dle of May, in rich moist ground, an inch deep, and ten or twelve inches apart, and kept clean. When the plants are arrived to the state of flowering, on a sun- shining day, cut off the stalks at about an inch distance from ths flowers, and as soon as the juice appears, which it does at first equally well on the part of the stalks cut off with the flowers, as on the standing part, collect it with a small scoop, or penknife. After the juice ceases to appear on the standing stalk, it should be cut off about an inch loAver, wheu it will be found to MATERIA MEDICA. 549 yield almost as freely as before, and repeated as long as any juice appears. The juice, when collected, shou'd be put into an evaporating pan, placed in the sun's heat, and frequently stirred, till it becomes of a con- sistence to be formed into pills, or made into rolls for keeping and exportation. The quantity of opium that may be preserved, depends Aery much on the largeness of our plants, and the care used in collecting it. From one poppy plant, I have obtained seven grains of opi- um. If any would choose to have the opium freed from its impurities, it may be easily done, by pressing the juice before it is inspissated, through a linen strainer; but if pains be taken, according to the foregoing directions, I believe there will be little or no occasion for it." A strong decoction of the dried heads mixed with half the quantity of sugar, or honey, and formed into a sirup, by simmering sloAvly by a gentle fire for an hour, is occasionally used in doses of a table-spoonful in coughs and breast complaints, on account of its ano- dyne effects. Poppy heads are also used externally in fomentations and poultices, either alone, or conjoined with the leaves of southern Avood, camomile flowers, or other ingredients. POTATOE, SWEET. Convolvulus Batata. From this root Bowen's patent sago is prepared, which forms a very nutritious jelly, like arrow root, and is prepared in the same manner; to which the reader is referred. The process generally used for procuring the powder of the sweet potatoe, is to grate the clean roots, wash the mass through brass sieves of different sizes, and collect the flour at the bottom of the vessel which re- ceives the fluid; finally, dry it in pans either by the fire or in the sun. The vine of the sweet potatoe, supports the famous insect, called the potatoe fly, Avhich, from repeated ex- 3 Y 050 MATERIA M£DieAt • periments, is found fully equal in all respects to the best Spanish flies. The potatoe flies generally make their appearance about the last of July or first of Au- gust, and may be collected in great'abundance morning and evening, by shaking them from the leaves in a vessel of hot water, and afterwards drying them in the sun. These insects will also feed upon the vine of the Irish potatoe. As they can be procured in immense quantities annually, with but little trouble, every family should carefully collect them. POTATOE, WILD. Convolvulus Panduratus, Grows in Ioav grounds and sandy soils, near running water. It trails along the ground several feet, much like a grape vine; the root very large, hard, and white, running very deep in the earth; the leaves triangular, the floAvers are whitish Avith a purple tinge, and bell- shaped. It is called wild rhubarb, and from the article whose name it bears, is employed as a purgative in doses from a tea to a table-spoonful of the powdered root. Professor Barton says, the root in powder or de- coction, has been much recommended in Virginia, and other parts of the United States, in cases of gravel. The decoction is prepared by boiling sloAvly a handful of the root sliced or bruised in three pints of water to a quart, of which, in gravel complaints, a tea-cupful may be taken four or five times a day. PRICKLY ASH, and PRICKLY YELLOW WOOD, Zanthoxylum, Possess the same virtues. Both species are covered with numerous prickles, whence the name. Both the MATERIA MEDICA, 65]L bark and berry are of a hot acrid taste, and when chew- ed, powerfully promote spittle. It is used in this way to cure the tooth-ach, as well as by putting some within the hollow, also to cure the palsy of the tongue. A decoction, or infusion of the bark of the root, a small handful to a quart of boiling water, in doses of half a pint three or four times a day, has long been employed with great success in chronic rheumatism, pa- ralytic affections, and venereal disease. There is no medicine which I have found so effectual in relieving nocturnal pains, and disposing venereal ulcers to heal, as the prickly ash in the above forms and doses. A tincture, prepared by steeping half a pint of the berries, or a handful of the bark in a bottle of spirits, is much esteemed as a remedy in doses of a Avine-glass- ful in flatulent colics. It is sometimes employed in this form, in cold phlegmatic habits, afflicted with the rheumatism. PRICKLY PEAR. Grows on sandy lands, and rocky places. A large handful of the pear cut in slices, boiled in a quart of milk, and taken in doses of a gill every morn- ing, is reputed to be of great benefit in scurvy, dropsy, cancers, and cutaneous eruptions; and that the inner soft mucilage of the pear, while green, on a rag, to ulcers, morning and night, is very efficacious. It is also said, that a fresh piece of the inner side of the pear, applied twice a day to corns, after soaking the feet in warm water, and paring off the horny part, Avill in a few days perform a cure. PRIDE OF INDIA, OR CHINA. Melia Azedarach, Is now completely naturalized to the southern states. The public walk and streets of Savannah and Augusta, are ornamented by rows of this tree, a mile long, Avhich 552 MATERIA MEDICA. furnish a most delightful shade against the scorching sun, and adds not less to the healthiness than to the beauty of these cities. Independent of its luxuriant ver- dure, and cooling shade, it is highly valuable for its medicinal properties, being now ascertained to be one of the best vermifuges in nature. Many physicians in the southern states, have wit, nessed its remarkable effects in destroying and dis- lodging worms. It has been even found a remedy against the tape-worm. I liave not myself made use of this medicine, possibly, because of having Avitnessed the deleterious effects of the berries on some pigs and a parrot. In the fall of the year 1795, at ^a country seat which I then owned, in Lancaster county, Virginia, a sow with eight or ten pigs came into the yard where I had seve- ral trees of the pride of China, and observing the pigs to eat with avidity the berries, Avhich Avere dropped on the ground, I had many of them throAvn from the tree, and in a few hours all the pigs were seized with the common symptoms of inebriation, and died. The sow did not appear to be the least affected, although she also ate of them. The death of the pigs would not have operated so strongly on my mind, had it not been for a parrot, which not long after fell a victim to those ber- ries. This enchanting bird, which spoke many words as plainly as a human person, and which for several years had been a pet in the family of Dr. Andrew Robertson, the father of Mrs. E****, had not long arrived at its new home, before it Avas tempted to eat of the fruit of this tree. A gentleman Avho was not ap. prized of the deleterious properties of this berry, pre- sented the much-admired Poll with one of them, which she soon ate, and relished so Ave 11, as loudly to call out, (i give me some more !" i( give me some more !" After consuming several, she in a short time fell into a state of stupefaction, followed by a violent purging, which soon terminated her existence. The common modes of using this medicine, are the infusion or tea, and saturated decoction. Of the former a handful of the bark to a quart of boiling water, MATERIA MEDICA. 553 is given in doses of a small tea-cupful morning and night. The decoction is made by boiling a large hand- ful of the fresh bark of the root in three pints of Avater to a quart, which is given to children in doses from a half to a whole wine-glassful. Dr. Kollock, of Savan- nah, observes, when exhibited in the latter form, every three hours, until it operates, he has found it beneficial as a febrifuge in those affections usually denominated worm fevers, but where no worms are A7oided. The pulp which invests the stone of the fruit, pounded with tallow, has been successfully employed in cases of scald head. Would not an ointment prepared by sloAvly simmering the root in hog's lard, be found also an ex- cellent application to that loathsome disease, also to tetter worms and ulcers ? PUCCOON. See Blood Root. QUEEN OF THE MEADOWS. Grows in hedges, and on the sides of meadows, about four feet high; the stalk reddish, leaves long, spear- shaped, and opposite each other ; flowers purple. A large handful of the roots boiled in three pints of water to a quart, and given in doses of a tea-cupful every two hours, is said to be an excellent remedy in suppression of urine, and carrying off tile water in dropsy. QUINCE TREE. Pyrus Cidonia. The liquor expressed from the ripe quince, also the sirup, has frequently been given with great success in nausea, vomiting, and fluxes. The juice of the quince Avith sugar, a gallon of one to two pounds of the other, is said to make a most de- lightful wine. The ripe fruit sliced and steeped in 554 MATERIA MEDICA. French brandy or spirits, with a little sugar, or equal parts of the juice and spirits sweetened, forms an ad- mirable cordial and stomachic. The quince makes also a nice preserve, and the seeds a fine mucilage, which with sugar and nutmeg, is an excellent drink in dysen- tery. RADISH. Maphanus, Is esteemed as an antiscorbutic, particularly if eaten with the skin. When old, or after having been kept some time, they ought to be avoided, especially by persons of weak stomachs, as apt to create indigestion and colic, and to render the breath disagreeable. RASBERRY. Idceus, Like the rest of the rich subacid fruit, when ripe, are wholesome and nourishing. Rasberries, as well as strawberries, held in the mouth, will dissolve tar- tarous concretions formed on the teeth. RATTLE, OR SENEKA SNAKE ROOT. Polygala Senega, Grows nearly a foot high; the leaves pointed, and somewhat oval; the stalks upright and branched, the flowers white, the root variously bent and jointed, whence it is supposed to resemble the tail of the animal whose name it bears. In violent colds, croup, pleurisy, acute rheumatism, and all inflammatory complaints, I can recommend it as an admirable medicine to promote perspiration. The MATERIA MEDICA. 555 best form of using it is in decoction, a handful to a quart of boiling water, a wine-glassful to adults every two or three hours, increasing or lessening the quantity to avoid either vomiting or purging. My sagacious friend, professor Chapman, recom- mends it very highly in obstruction of the menses, four ounces of the decoction to be taken in the course of the day, increasing the quantity Avhen the men- strual effort is expected, as far as the stomach will allow. If this excite nausea, aromatics are to be added, as cinnamon, calamus, angelica. % Dr. Archer, of Hartford county, Maryland, was among the first who noticed the efficacy of this medi- cine in cases of croup, or hives. He directs a tea-spoonful of the strong decoction to be given to a child every half hour, or hour, as the urgency of the symptoms may demand, and during the intervals a few drops occasionally, until it acts as an emetic or cathartic ; then repeated in small quantities to keep up a constant stimulus in the mouth and throat. Patients who use this medicine, should not be per- mitted to drink any thing whatever for some time after each dose. He has also employed it in the form of powder in doses of four or five grains, mixed with a little water. Professor Barton, with his usual candour and libe- rality, observes, " 1 am persuaded that the Seneka is a very important medicine in the treatment of this com- mon, and too frequently unmanageable disease; and praise is, in my opinion, due to Dr. Archer for his im- portant discovery, for such I cannot but deem it. That the Seneka is a specific or certain remedy for the cure of croup, I do not believe; but from my own experi- ence, I am led to repose more confidence in the use of this medicine than in any other. I have made use of a very strong decoction of the root. I have always given it in large quantities. It appears to be chiefly beneficial Avhen it occasions an expectoration of mucus; and when it proves emetic. It is also very useful by virtue of its purgative quality. But I have known it occasion very plentiful stools, without benefiting the 556 MATERIA MEDICA. patient. Indeed, in the exhibition of Seneka, I would rather wish to guard against large purgings. I have sometimes treated my patients almost entirely with Seneka. " Even in such cases I have perceived most unequivocal good effects from it. But I have more generally given along with the Seneka, calomel, and sometimes calomel combined with ipecacuanha. I have not omitted the employment of the lancet, though this in many cases of croup is not absolutely necessary, and the use of blisters or sinapisms applied near the seat of b *the disease. I am happy to close this short notice by observing, that several respectable physicians in Philadelphia, inform me that they have used the Sene- ka with much advantage in the disease in question." Along with its emetic, cathartic, expectorant and diaphoretic qualities, the Seneka possesses a diuretic power, and hence has been found useful in cases of dropsies. It likewise acts upon the salivary glands. In the prevailing epidemic I have found a decoction of this vegetable, taken freely at the commencement of the disease, a medicine of great utility. RATTLE SNAKE VIOLET. See Violet RHUBARB, WILD. See Potatoe, Wild. ROSE. Rosa. The hundred-leaved, or damask rose, is justly termed the queen of flowers. Ottar, or essence of roses, is obtained from these by distillation, and is doubtless the most elegant perfume in vegetable nature. Inde- pendent of their use in this manner, a decoction of its leaves will be found a mild laxative, and, Avhen form- ed into a sirup, may be given Avith advantage to chil- dren. The conserve of roses is also prepared from them for medical purposes. MATERIA MEDICA. 557 ROSE WILLOW. Salix, Grows near brooks, along the banks of rivers, and on the borders of meadows. It is about the size of an apple tree, and covered with a grayish-coloured bark, and very red within, with a bunch in the top resembling a bunch of roses. Four ounces, or a large handful of the bark, boiled in three pints of water to a quart, and taken in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, is said to be an excellent remedy in cases of gleet, the whites, im- moderate flowing of the menses, and in cutaneous erup tions. RUE. Ruta, Has an ungrateful smell, and a pungent, bitter taste. The leaves are acrid, and when applied to the skin, are apt to produce blisters. Employed in the form of tea, they are reputed to be of great service to persons of cold phlegmatic habits. According to Boerhave, an infusion of the leaves powerfully promotes perspiration, quickens the circulation, removes obstructions, and is particularly adapted to weak and hysterical constitu- tions, suffering from retarded, or obstructed secretions. SAGE. Salvia. An infusion of the leaves, or tea, is considered ser- viceable to persons of cold phlegmatic habits, labouring under nervous debility. Sweetened, with the addition 3 z 558 MATERIA MEDICA. of a little lemon juice, it forms an exceedingly grateful and useful drink in febrile disorders. Sage was supposed by the ancients to possess the virtue of prolonging human life; hence the following verse : Cur moriatur homo, cui salvia crescit in horto ? How can a man die, in whose garden there grows sage? in allusion to its many virtues. What a shameful abuse of this pretended property was made by the late sir John Hill, in his patent tincture of sage, for the prolonging of human life, and warding off old age, is known to every one. This conduct could not fail to draw upon himself the pen of the wits of the age; and Garrick, with Thompson, conjointly, published the following epigram : Thou essence of dock, valerian and sage, At once the disgrace and pest of the age, The worst that Ave wish thee for all thy bad crimes, Is to take thy own physic, and read thy own rhymes. Dr. Hill made the following reply: Ye desperate junto, ye great, or ye small Who combat dukes, doctors, the deuce, and them all* Whether gentlemen, scribbler's, or poets in jail, Your impertinent curses shall never prevail; I'll take neither sage, dock, nor balsam of honey ; Do you take the physic, and I'll take the money. Such shameless imposition on common sei^se, de- serves something worse than ridicule ; for deceiving the sick and helpless, they merit the execrations of every man who has one spark of humanity, SAMSON SNAKE ROOT, GroAvs from six to twelve inches on dry land, and bears on the top two or three pale blue flowers ; leaves .MATERIA MEDICA. 559 opposite, sword-shaped; the root matted, variously bent, and has an agreeable bitter taste. Upon the respectable authority of the honourable Win. Mayrant, of South Carolina, the root of this plant pos- sesses in a very great degree tonic powers. He stated to me, that being himself reduced to a mere skeleton liy dyspepsia, or indigestion, and having tried the usual remedies employed in such cases without receiving any benefit, he was at length induced, as his last hope, to try the virtue of this plant, which had been recom- mended to him by a negro man. He was directed to steep a handful of the root in a bottle of spirits, of which he Avas to take half a wine-glassful diluted Avith Avater three times a day; and such was the astonishing effect Avrought by this medicine, that in a few weeks his health was perfectly reinstated. On his way to congress last fall, he discovered the plant to grow near Fredericksburg, Virginia, and collected some of it to exhibit in Washington. Several persons in delicate health, and troubled Avith dyspepsia, were readily per- suaded, from the recommendations of colonel Mayrant, to make use of his favourite remedy, and not without receiving considerable benefit. Among these were three ladies of the first distinction; I mean the ami- able ladies of the honourable P. P. Barbour, Aylett Hawes, and Thomas Gholson. Such testimony cannot fail to excite those who maybe afflicted in a similar manner, to make use of a remedv Avhich promises to be a valuable acquisition to our Materia Medica. It may be taken in the form of powder, tincture, or decoction. SANICLE, AMERICAN. Sea Alum Root SARSAPARILLA. Smilax Sarsaparilla, Grows in several parts of the United States. It is a small vine, resembling a bramble. 560 MATERIA MEDICA. A decoction of sarsaparilla, prepared by boiling a large handful of the root in a quart of water, till the third part be evaporated, has long been employed as an auxiliary to mercury, in the treatment of venereal complaints. It promotes perspiration, attenuates viscid humours, relieves venereal head-ach, nocturnal pains, and disposes venereal ulcers to heal. In rheumatic affections, cutaneous disorders, and scrofula, it is a very useful medicine. It may also be exhibited in the form of powder, in doses of two drachms, or extract in doses of one drachm, three or four times a day. SASSAFRAS. Laurus Sassafras. An infusion, or tea of the flowers, or bark of the root, has often been successfully given as a sweetener or pu- rifier of the blood, in scorbutic, venereal, and cutane- ous disorders, or where an acrimony of the fluids pre- vails. Conjoined with the bark of dog-wood, cherry- tree, or oak, it is very useful in obstinate intermittents. The oil, externally applied, in the chronic rheumatism, and also in wens, has oftentimes proved salutary. The pith of the small twigs, in water, forms a mucilage .of excellent use for sore eyes, and as an injection in the incipient stage of gonorrhoea. It also affords, when sweetened, with the addition of nutmeg, a palatable jelly, useful in dysentery and febrile diseases. SCULL CAP, BLUE. See Hooded Widow Herb. SCURVY GRASS. Cochlearea Officinalis, Is a pungent stimulating plant, and in the simple state of a sallad, or in the form of expressed juice, a MATERIA MEDICA. 561 wine-glassful three times a day, has long been esteemed one of the best of all the antiscorbutic plants. SENNA, AMERICAN. Cassia Marilandica, Is easily cultivated from the seeds, and ought to be more generally introduced into our gardens. It has long been employed as a purgative. To in- crease its effects on the bowels, manna, salts, or tama- rinds are generally added. To correct its ill flavour, and prevent griping, it should be joined with some aro- matics, as coriander or fennel seed, ginger, &c. In the form of decoction, a handful to a pint of boiling Avater, the dose is a tea-cupful every hour or two, until it operates. It may also be exhibited in the form of tincture, to relieve flatulent colics, four ounces of senna to a quart of spirits, with an ounce of coriander seed, or ginger, and a wine-glassful the dose. SKOKE. See Thorn Apple. SKUNK CABBAGE. Draconitum Foetidum, Abounds in swamps and meadoAvs, and emits a dis agreeable smell, nearly resembling that of a skunk or pole-cat, and from this, and its leaves resembling those ol a cabbage, it has acquired its name. The roots dried and powdered, have proved of ex- cellent use in asthmatic cases, and often afforded relief in this distressing disease, when other means were in- effectual. It should be exhibited during the paroxysm, and repeated as circumstances may require, in doses of thirty or forty grains. It will be proper to persevere 563 MATERIA MEDICA. in the use of it for some time after the paroxysm has gone off, until the patient has perfectly recovered. Dr. Cutler has celebrated its efficacy in his own case of asthma, after other medicines had failed. In one of the most violent asthmatic cases, two tea-spoonfuls of the powdered root in spirits, procured immediate relief, and on repeating the trials with the same patient, it af- forded more lasting benefit than any other medicine. In childbed it produces the desired effect, in doses of a tea-spoonful repeated occasionally. In numerous other instances of spasm, and also in chronic and acute rheumatism, and dropsy, in powder or decoction, it has performed important cures. The seeds possess the same virtues Avith the root. Dr. Cutler vehemently cautions, that, in collecting the roots, the white hellebore, or poke root, which some people call skunk weed, be not mistaken for this plant, as the consequence might be fatal. There is an obvious difference : the hellebore has a stalk, but the skunk cabbage has none, and the roots of the latter are much larger than those of the former. SOAPWORT. Saponaria Officinalis, Grows in moist swamps and meadows, particularly on the Ohio river, where- it is used as a substitute for soap. It rises about a foot high, the leaves are pointed, and furnished with three ribs, the flowers numerous, large, and of a pale pink colour. A handful of this plant boiled in three pints of water to a quart, in doses of half a pint, three or four times a day, has been found useful in the jaundice, obstruc- tions of the liver, and the venereal disease. MATERIA MEDICA. 563 SORREL. Oxalis Acetosella, Called also sower trefoil, or cuekow bread. Yields, on expression, a grateful acid juice, which has been beneficially used in the scurvy, and scorbutic eruptions. An infusion of the leaves makes a palatable diet drink in fevers, and on being boiled in milk, forms an agree- ble whey. A conserve made of the leaves, with double their weight of loaf sugar, forms an excellent substitute for lemons, and may be given with advantage, in all putrid and other fevers, Avhere antiseptics are indica- ted. The leaves bruised, and externally applied to scrofulous ulcers, have produced excellent effects, by promoting suppuration and granulation. SOUTHERN WOOD. See Mugwort, SOUTH SEA TEA, OR YAUPON. Alex Vomitoria, Grows abundantly in the southern states. It rises about twelve feet high, shooting into many upright slender stiff branches, covered with whitish smooth bark; the leaves small, evergreen, and saw-edged; the flowers small and white, and grow promiscuously among the leaves, succeeded by small hemes, which become red in October, and remain so all the winter. It is held in great esteem among the southern In- dians. They toast the leaves, and make a decoction of them, which is called black drink. An infusion, or tea of the leaves, is considered as palatable as bohea tea, and when used freely, is a. powerful diuretic, and hence of service in the cure of dropsy and suppression of urine. 564 MATERIA MEDICA. SPIKENARD. Aralia Racemosa, Grows in low rich grounds, and among rocks, to the height of three or four feet 5 the leaves are many, on long branches, from a thick purplish stalk, flowers Arery small, of a bluish colour, producing berries much re- rembling those of the elder, of a sweetish pleasant aro- matic taste. The roots are very long, about the thick- ness of a finger. A pint of the berries steeped in a quart of spirits, in dose of a wine-glassful, is said to be a speedy cure for the gout in the stomach. The roots in the form of in- fusion, a handful to a quart of water, and given in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, have been found efficacious in gouty complaints. The fresh root applied in the form of poultice, is said to be excel- lent for Avounds or ulcers. SPLEENWORT. See Maiden Hair. SPURGE LAUREL. See Mezereon. SQUIRREL EAR, OR EDGE LEAF. I am indebted to my much-esteemed friend, the hon- ourable Paul Hamilton, for the description and virtues of this plant. Produced on barren pine land, in Carolina and Georgia, is a species of sage, and very efficacious as an antidote to the poison of the snake bite. It is known by the remarkable characteristic which forms its name. The leaf, instead of presenting its surface to the sun, presents its edge, and is in colour and shape, very much like the ear of a squirrel, although larger; the MATERIA MEDICA. 565 stalk never rises beyond three feet, and its leaves are alternate and transverse. A wine-glassful of the juice of this plant has been knoAvn to rescue from death persons bitten by the rattle snake, who were so far gone, as to be incapable of speaking. The flower of this plant is white and fuzzy, and appears in every warm month in the year; the smell that of mellilot, with a slight tincture of the aro- matic. STINK WEED. See Thorn Apple. STRAWBERRY. Fragaria. The fruit of this plant is delicious, and being of a cooling and laxative nature, may be considered as me- dicinal. If freely eaten they impart their peculiar fra- grance to the urine, and Avhen retained in the mouth for some time, dissolve tartareous concretions on the teeth. They are of great service in cases of scurvy, and, according to Linnseus, a copious use of them has proved a certain preventive of the stone in the kidnies. An infusion of straAvberry leaves, while young and tender, makes excellent tea; but for such purpose they ought to be dried in the shade, being slightly bitterish and styptic. They haATe been used with advantage in laxity and debility of the intestines, as likeAvise in hemorrhages and other fluxes. Lastly, they are of considerable service as aperients, in sup- pressions of urine, visceral obstructions, and jaundice. SUMACH, COMMON. Rhus Copallinum. The berries or seeds, when ripe, are red and very acid. An infusion of them, sweetened with honey, is a good garble for the sore throat, and for cleansing the mouth iu putrid fevers. 4 a 566 MATERIA MEDICA, Mr. Jesse Torrey, avIio contemplates establishing a botanic garden in the vicinity of Washington city, says, he considers the bark of the root of sumach to be one of the best antiseptics produced by vegetation. Corro- ding ulcers, defying every common application, imme- diately began to heal by Avashing them Avith a strong decoction, and applying the boiled bark as a poultice. He says it is a very important material in decoctions for hectic and scrofulous diseases. Sumach constitutes one of the ingredients of the following recipe, Avhich Avas handed to me by a gentleman of the first respectability and veracity, as a remedy for the venereal disease. Of the inner bark of pine and SAvamp elm, and the bark of the root of sumach, take each one pound, boil them in a gallon of water to three quarts, drink half a pint three times a day; if costiveness be produced, a dose of salts may be used. If there be ulcers, they are to be washed with the decoction made Avarin. The detergent effects will appear in a very short time. Ab- stinence from too much stimulants Avill accelerate the cure. This remedy is one of Heaven s best mercies to offending man, and instances can be produced of the effects of it, Avhich Avould stagger credulity. Mercury, and nitric acid, have failed, but this has never been knoAvn to fail when properly applied. It is, moreover, a fine application in dysenteric affection*. SUNDEAV. Ros S0U3, Called also red root, or youthwort. Grows in mossy bogs, floAvering in July and August. The whole of this singular plant is acrid, and its juice sufficiently caustic to corrode corns and Avarts. It is said the juice, properly mixed Avith milk, and applied to the skin, will remove freckles and sun-burns, MATERIA MEDICA 567 SWALLOWWORT. See Pleurisy Root. TANSY. Tanacetum Vulgare. This plant possesses a warm bitter taste, and may be used as a substitute for hops. An infusion of the leaves is recommended for a weak stomach, hysteric complaints, and obstructed menses. According to Dr. Withering, its seeds are an excel- lent vermifuge, in doses from a scrapie to a drachm, and that if animal substance be rubbed with the herb, it AA'ill be effectually preserved from the attack of the flesh fly. THORN APPLE. Datura Stramonium, Has a variety of names, as James Town, or jimson Aveed, French apple, stink weed, &c. Its common name, James Toavii weed, is said to have arisen from the circumstance of a number of sailors being violcntly diseased by iguorantly eating the boiled plant at James Town, inVirginia, at its first settlement. ^ It groAvs among rubbish, and on dunghills, to the height of tAvo or three feet, floAvers in July and August. The corolla is funnel-shaped and plated Avhite Avith a tinge of pur- ple. The capsule is large, egg-shaped, and covered with thorns. Avhich have four divisions, and contain numerous kidney-shaped seeds. The leaves are large, egg-shaped, and deeply indented, of a disagreeable smell, and nauseous taste. Every part of this plant is a strong narcotic poison ; nevertheless, when judiciously administered, it is un- questionably one of the most valuable medicines in our 56S MATERIA MEDICA. possession. Professor Barton considers it a medicine of great and invaluable powers, especially in cases of mania, attended with little or no fever, or Avith a cold skin and languid circulation. The form in which he exhibited it, was that of an extract, prepared from the fresh leaves, beginning with a few grains, and gradu- ally increasing the dose to fifteen or twenty grains. In one case of mania, in a woman, he increased it to sixty grains/ In a few Aveeks it brought on an eruption in various parts of the body, " and she Avas dismissed," he observes, " from the hospital, perfectly cured." Dr. Fisher recommends it highly in those cases of mania in young persons, where the fits occur daily, or monthly, at regular periods, especially if assisted by chalybeates, or such other medicines as particular symptoms require, but advises the free and regular use of it, one or two doses every day. The most convenient form, especial- ly for children, he thinks, is the saturated tincture ; the requisite dose may be knoAvn by the dilitation of the pupils. Dr. Alexander King, of Connecticut, has employed this medicine, in the form of decoction, one drachm of the seeds bruised, boiled in half a pint of Avater to a gill, in several cases of inflammation of the brain, at- tended with delirium. The following is one of the cases recited by the doctor. A man of robust constitution, and sanguine habit, about 2Q years of age, after drinking pretty freely, was seized with a slight paroxysm of the apoplexy, which was folloAved with a cold fit of fever, attended Avith a violent pain of the head, and delirium. On the second day I found him delirious, Avith an inflammation of the brain, or rather the meninges. I bled him largely, so that he even fainted in a recumbent posture, wliich was succeeded by another partial paroxysm similar to the first. I put him on a course of medicine, nearly the same as prescribed in a former case. The next day I found no abatement of the symptoms : he had slept none for two nights past, and Avas quite outrageous. I then prescribed for him a decoction of the seeds of the datu- ra stramonium, and directed the nurse to give him a MATERIA MEDICA. 569 tea-spoonful every quarter of an hour. I found, on visiting him the next morning, that soon after taking the decoction, he became calm and composed, and Avent to sleep, I continued the same medicine through the course of the fever, which lasted about seven days, except one day, iu Avhich I purposely omitted the use of it, in order fully to satisfy myself as to the opera- tion of the medicine. On that day the delirium re- turned, and he slept none the night following. The next morning I had recourse to the decoction as usual, and it produced the same salutary effects as before. In this case, I had a fair opportunity to observe the action of the medicine, in an early stage of the disease, which Avas cooling, anodyne, ana sedative. As a remedy in epilepsy, professor Barton thinks it may be relied on, even in the most deplorable cases. A lady, aged fifty five, having for some months been afflicted with alarming attacks of epilepsy, by which her poAvers of intellect\and of articulation were impair- ed, happily experienced a restoration, by taking one grain of the extract once in twenty-four hours. Al- though she did not suffer another attack, after com- mencing the course, she found it necessary to continue it for several months, to remove all apprehensions of a recurrence. A single grain seldom failed to excite unpleasant vertiginous sensations, accompanied Avith efflorescence of her face, and some degree of sleepiness. In asthma and spasmodic cough, stramonium is said to have proved essentially beneficial. It is also said to have produced salutary effects in cases of chronic rheu- matism, and difficult menstruation. As this medicine is endued with most active powers, it ought to be administered in very small doses at first, and the quantity gradually increased daHy, until it pro- duce, in a slight degree, vertigo, or dilatation of the pupil. In the course of my practice, I witnessed the delete- rious effects of this plant in a child, who Avas attacked with convulsions similar to those which attend persons afflicted with the disease termed St. Vitus's dance, ac companied with delirium, tremor, thirst, glaring eye*:. 5/0 MATERIA MEDICA. dilated pupil, and considerable efflorescence of the skin. The parents Avere perfectly ignorant of the cause of the child's sudden indisposition; but, from the symptoms, I was convinced it had taken some of the stramonium, and on making the necessary inquiries, learned it had been playing Avith some of the seeds a few hours before. Im- mediately on visiting the child, I directed the Avarin bath, and gave it six or eight grains of blue vitriol, which Avas repeated at the interval of fifteen minutes, before it excited vomiting, when some of the seed were thrown up. After the operation of the emetic, I administered a large dose of castor oil, which, assisted by stimulating injections, produced in a few hours some evacuations, and the child Avas entirely relieved from all those dis- tressing symptoms. Domestic practitioners Avill recol- lect, that two or three grains of blue vitriol is a full dose for adults ; and the large dose given in this case Avas from persuasion that the child's stomach had been de- prived of its sensibility, through the narcotic effects of the poisonous seeds. The extract may be made by exposing the juice of ihe plant to the heat of the sun, or by boiling the bruis- ed seed or leaves in water for the space of four hours ; then strain off the liquor, evaporate over a gentle fire, Avithout taking off the scum, until it has acquired the thickness of sirup; then place it in a warm oven, in an earthen Aessel, until it becomes of a proper consistence for use. The dose is from one to tAvo grains, or more, for an adult. The saturated tincture is prepared by steep- ing one or tAvo handfuls of the leaves in a half pint of spirits for a feAV days. The stramonium has also been employed externally with the most happy effects. In recent wounds, inflam- mations, or bruises, the leaves, either alone, or united with bread and milk poultice, have been applied to the part with manifest advantage. In the form of ointment, Avhich is prepared by simmering sloAvly the fresh leaves bruised in hog's lard, Avith about one eighth part of beeswax, for an hour, and then strained through a coarse cloth, Avill be found excellent for the piles, scalds, and burns. From my oaau observation, it far excels all MATERIA MEDICA. 571 other applications I have made, to obstinate cutaneous sores, ill-conditioned ulcers, and painful cancerous af- fections. THOROUGIIWORT. Eupatorium perfoliatum, Is known also by the folloAving names, thorough- stem, crossAvort, boneset, and Indian sage. The first of these names, thoroughstem, has been imposed upon it from the peculiar structure of the leaves, wliich are opposite, and appear as though the stem was thrust through them. It has received the second name of crossAvort, by which it is known in many parts of Vir- ginia, from the position of the leaves, each pair of Avhich take tlieir origin from opposite sides of the stem, so that they cross each other nearly at right angles. I am at a loss, says professor Barton, to refer the word boneset to its real origin ; but I presume the plant received this name from the great relief Avhich,, on many occasions, it has been found to afford to persons labouring under violent remitting and others fevers, in Avhich the bones are greatly pained. The resemblance of the leaves of this plant to those of the common sage, Avas long ago remarked by the botanists. Hence the name Indian sage, by Avhich the eupatorium is known in some parts of Pennsylvania. This plant flourishes in Avet meadoAvs, and other moist places. The stalk is hairy, and rises from two to four feet. The flowers are white, and appear in July and August. The leaves at each joint are horizontal, saAv- edged, and rough, from three to four inches long, and about one inch broad at the base, gradually lessening to a very acute point, of a dark green, and covered Avith short hairs. This plant possesses very active poAvers, and has been exhibited Avith uncommon advantage in intermittents, remittents, and other diseases of debility. When ex-^ hibited in the form of a Avarm decoction, a handful of the herb boiled in a quart of Avater, a Avine-glassful every 572 MATERIA MEDICA. two hours, has proved peculiarly beneficial, says pro- fessor Barton, in fevers, by exciting a copious perspira- tion. In larger do; cs, it proves emetic, with which view it is used in so.,ie parts of the United States, as an excellent remedy in intermittents. The dried leaves in powder, in dc^es of twelve or fifteen grains, are said to operate gently on the bowels. Every part of this plant may be advantageously employed in practice. The flowers, as a tonic bitter, are deemed equal to the flowers of camomile, for which they might be sub- stituted on many occasions. This medicine has also been found very efficacious in cutaneous diseases. In a peculiar and distressing af- fection of the herpetic kind, Avhich was formerly very common in Virginia, and there known by the name of James River ring-worm*, professor Barton states, from the respectable authority of Dr. Thomas Knox, of Cul- pepper county, Va. that a decoction of this plant drank daily, for a considerable time, made a perfect cure. A wine-glassful of the expressed juice of the green herb drank every hour, is celebrated as a certain cure for the bite of a rattle snake. The bruised leaves should be applied to the part. THROAT-ROOT. See Avens. THYME, GARDEN. Thymus Vulgaris, Is one of the most powerful aromatic plants, and as such, is frequently employed in the form of tea, in those complaints where medicines of this class are indicated. * This disgusting disease prevailed mostly among the inhabitants on James River. It attacked the thighs#he scrotum, and especially the parts imme- diately adjacent to tlie anus. It extended its ravages into the rectum, and perhaps much further. MATERIA MEDICA, 5J3 TOBACCO. Nicotiana Tabacum. This " obnoxious luxury," to use the language of the eloquent and patriotic John Randolph, Esq. is a medi- cine of most uncommon poAvers; being emetic, cathartic, sudorific, diuretic, expectorant, narcotic, and antispas- modic ; hence its utility in a variety of diseases. A table-spoonful of an infusion, one ounce in a point of boiling water, will excite vomiting; hoAvever, as it has no peculiar property as an emetic, and its operation is attended with severe sickness, it is not often employed with this view. As a purgative, it is employed in the form of clysters, in all cases of obstinate costiveness. Exhibited in this form, irt the quantity of two or three table-spoonfuls of the infusion, mixed in half a pint of milk or thin gruel, it has frequently afforded almost in- stantaneous relief in violent colics, after other medicines had proved ineffectual. If this quantity procure no re- lief, nor excite giddiness, nor nausea, the injection may be repeated every half hour, with the gradual increase of the infusion, till one or other of these effects takes place. By this mode of proceeding, the violent effects of tobacco may always be avoided. As a diuretic, it has on many occasions proved an invaluable remedy, as in ascites and other dropsical affections, also in gra- vel, or difficulty of making water. In those cases, ac- cording to Dr. FoAvler, the dose for adults should be from sixty to one hundred drops of the infusion in a tea- cup of water, twice a day, about two hours before din- ner, and at bed-time ; it being observed to disagree the most with the stomach in a morning fasting. And such is the difference between the morning and night, that almost every patient will require to take one fourth, and some one third more in the forenoon than in the even- ing, in order to enable them to bear the dose with equal convenience. The common dose just mentioned, relates only to adults of an ordinary constitution; for it de 574* Materia medica. serves particular notice, tha( between constitutions which are very nervous and irritable, and those wliich are very robust or torpid, or long accustomed to the use of tobacco, the dose will admit of very great and surprising altera- tions. As an expectorant, in asthmatic cases, unattended Avith inflammatory symptoms, this medicine has fre- quently afforded relief. In cases of tetanus, or lock- jaA\r, injections of tobacco infusion, says Dr. Mease, have been used with success. They not only produce evac- uations from the bowels, which are generally obstinately constipated, but tend to a relaxation of the violent spasms so peculiar to this disease. On this account, he suggests the propriety of giving it in the dreadful disease pro- duced by the bite of a mad dog. Besides the internal use of tobacco in the above dis- eases, it is likewise commended for its virtues exter- nally employed. In the tooth-ach, a piece of lint moistened with the expressed juice of tobacco, has often acted as a charm in mitigating the pain. In obstinate ulcers, an ointment, or the dried leaves of tobacco, steeped in water, and applied to the part affected, have been attended with beneficial effects, after the usual re- medies had failed. In the itch, and obstinate cases of cutaneous eruptions, the tobacco infusion, as a wash ap- plied tAvo or three times a day, seldom fails of effecting a radical cure. In that detestable distemper, called lousy evil, to which many children are subject, though from neglect of cleanliness, adults are sometimes afflicted with it,, the infusion has effected a radical cure, in several in- stances, after preparations of mercury, and other appli- cations, had failed. It Avill be found equally destruc- tive to crab -lice, if applied tAvo or three times a day, to the parts Avhich they infest. In cases of worms, tobacco externally applied, is deserving the highest estimation. Professor Barton states, that the leaves pounded with vinegar, and applied in the shape of poultice to the region of the stomach and abdomen, have often discharged worms, after pow- erful antbelmentics had been exhibited internally in vain. We ought not to be surprised, says he, at this MATERIA MEDICA. 575 effect of the tobacco, since Ave knoAV that the same ve* getable, applied externally, is often efficacious in in- ducing vomiting. Accordingly, says he, I have for some years been in the habit of applying tobacco leaves to the region of the stomach of persons avIio have swal- lowed large qauntities of opium, and other similar arti- cles, Avith a view of destroying themselves. It is well known, that in these cases, the stomach is often ex- tremely inirritable, insomuch, that the most powerful emetics have little effect in rousing that organ into ac- tion. Here, as an auxiliary at least, the tobacco, in the manner I have mentioned, is certainly very useful, and in many instances ought not to be neglected. In further testimony of the efficacy of tobacco ex- ternally applied, in the most formidable diseases, Ave cannot forbear inserting at length, a letter addressed to the Editors of the Medical Museum, by Dr. Edward Cutbush, now of this city, a gentleman no less distin- guished for his medical attainments, than for his surgi- cal knowledge. Preceding this letter, is a minute detail of the case, related by an Italian physician, of a young woman, long afflicted Avith an abdominal swelling, pro- ducing violent convulsions, Avhich, after having baffled the most efficacious means, Avas radically cured by Dr. Edward Cutbush, M. D. senior physician of the Ame- rican marine hospital at Syracuse, in the year 1805. " In consequence of the earnest solicitations of the parents of the young woman, whose case is above stated by one of her physicians, she was brought to my house in Syracuse to be examined. I received from herself and parents a history of her case, which corresponded verv nearly with the above statement. Her parents informed me they had consulted 33 physfcians and sur- geons of Naples, and different parts of Sicily, without receiving any advantage. Some were of opinion that the swelling; was owing to a collection of water m the uterus ; others in the ovaria; others, that it was an en- larged liver; finally, two or three were strongly im- pressed with the idea, that it was an extra~utenne-fa S7B MATERIA MEDICA. tus, Avhich produced all the distressing symptoms above stated. On examination, I found a very large swelling, extending from the epigastrium in a diagonal direction, to the anterior spinous process of the right ilium. The tumors had a number of inequalities on its surface ; no fluctuations could be felt; she could not bear it pressed without suffering great pain. I must confess I did not give any decisive opinion on the case, it being perfectly new to me, and especially after the numerous contradic- tory opinions and practice of the first physicians of Na- ples and Sicily had failed in giving relief. She had been twice under the liberal use of mercury in Naples and Syracuse; in the latter place, by the direction of a surgeon belonging to Lord Nelson's squadron, when his lordship Avas there in 1798, without beneficial effect. From this history and examination, I entertained no hope of rclieA'ing her; but the solemn entreaties of her parents determined me to make trial of a remedy, which I had found useful in discussing obstinate tumours, and which finally terminated a disease that had been the source of great distress to the unfortunate female, and which, doubtless, proved the disease to have been an hydropic affection of the uterus, or right fallopian tube, though no undulation could be discovered. I directed the leaves of the nicotiana, recently collected, to be stewed in vinegar, and applied to the abdominal sAvell- ing. The first application produced nausea, vomiting, vertigo, great depression of muscular strength, copious perspiration, and a loose state of the bowels. Her pulse became very sIoav. In consequence of the violence of the above symptoms, it Avas not long continued; but on the succeeding day, it Avas repeated morning and even- ing, and produced all the above symptoms, but in a less degree, attended Avith an immoderate flow of water from the vagina. The application Avas continued twice a day for one week, when its effects on the system Avere less powerful; but I was informed, with the most rapturous expressions, that the tumour had diminished very much. The day following, a priest was despatched to inform me, that the water Avas continually running from her as she walked her room. The remedy was continued MATERIA MEDICA. 577 about tAventy days, but the swelling disappeared entire- ly before the fourteenth. No medicine was given, ex- cepting a small quantity of opium or Avine during the day. When the application of the tobacco was omit'ed, her abdomen Avas perfectly soft, and she could bear it pressed without pain. She was occasionally attacked Avith syncope, and complained of a Avant of appetite ; I advised a bandage to be applied around her body, a course of tonic medicines, a generous diet, to be gradu- ally increased, equitation, (riding) and cheerful company. I saw her in October, 1805 ; she informed me that all the functions of her body were natural; her countenance was florid and cheerful. April 1, 1806,1 was inform- ed she remained in good health. " It is difficult to account for the modus operandi of tobacco in this case, unless the violent commotion, which it excited in the system, ruptured the cyst which pro- bably contained the water. I conceive the external ap- plication of tobacco, as a remedy in many diseases, de- mands more attention from physicians than it has gene- rally received. In obstinate constipation of the bowels, I have applied tobacco stewed in vinegar or water, Avith the greatest success ; even after powerful cathartics, enemata of different kinds, injections of tobacco smoke, or the infusion of the plant, have failed ; and conceive it preferable in maoy cases of ascites, to the common mode of administering it internally in the form of tinc- ture or infusion. i61 am, sir, with esteem, yours, EDWARD CUTBUSH." Happy if this plant " of many virtues" could always be exerted to such beneficent purposes as those above, and for which, no doubt, it was intended by the all wise and benevolent Creator. But, alas ! we are constrained to deplore, not only the idle and expensive, but too often fatal abuse of it, by snuffing, chewing, and smoking ; practices Avhich cannot be too severely censured, espe- cially in young persons, and those of weak digestion, consumptive, or delicate habits. When used in either pf those forms, by persons unaccustomed to its use, it 578 MATERIA MEDICA. will, in small quantities, produce stupor, giddiness, and vomiting. But, like spirits, opium, and other narcotics, the use of it may be introduced by degrees, so that its peculiar effects, even from large quantities employed, seldom appear. TOE-ITCH. See Moorwort, Broadleaved. TOOTHACH TREE. See Prickly Ash. TOUCHWOOD. Boletus Igniarius, Called also punk. It is a spongy substance, growing on the white oak, pine, and hickory trees, generally used for catching fire wkh flint and steel. The heart of that which grows on the oak, reduced to a powder, and applied to violent hemorrhages from wounds, is said to be an excellent application to stop the bleeding. TREFOIL WATER. Menianthes, Grows about tAvelve inches high, in marshes, sAvamps, and wet meadows. It bears many elegant flowers, in a spike, which are sometimes Avhite, but commonly rose- coloured on the outside, and in the inside finely fringed; the leaves are three together, resembling our garden beans. A drachm of the powdered leaves is said to operate up and down. An infusion of the leaves, two handfuls to a quart of boiling Avater, in doses of a tea-cupful two or three times a day, is esteemed a useful medicine in chronic rheumatism, in scorbutic complaints, and in all impurities of the blood. MATERIA MEDICA. 579 TULIP-BEARING POPLAR. See Poplar, White. TURMERIC. See Bloodroot. UNICORN ROOT. Aletris Farinasa, GroAvs in meadows, and on the sides of mountains, about six or seven inches high; leaves spear-shaped, lying on.the ground, and are green all the winter. The flowers groAv on the stalk from the ground, which hang down at the top when fully blown ; the root is whitish, full of small fibres, about the thickness of the end of the little finger, and crooked at the end. The powdered root, in doses from a half to a tea- spoonful, is said to afford relief in hysteric, and flatu- lent or wind colic. A large handful of the root steeped in a quart of spirits, in doses of a wine-glassful three times a day, is highly esteemed by some as a valuable remedy in chronic rheumatism. VALERIAN, WILD. Valeriana Officinalis, Grows abundantly in the vicinity of the Ohio river. It rises two or three feet high—the leaves in pairs, large, * hairy, and of a dusky-green colour—floAvers stand in large tufts on the tops of the branches, of a pale whitish- red colour. The root, which is the part used in medicine,, consists of a number of slender fibres, matted together, and at- tached to one head ; of a brown colour, having a strong and unpleasant smell. Valerian has long been recom- mended by the most learned physicians as a medicine of great use in neiwous disorders, and is particularly ser- viceable in hysteric cases, as well as in epilepsy, pro- 580 MATERIA MEDICA. ceeding from a debility of the nervous system. Accord- ing to Dr. Withering, it is an excellent medicine in cases of habitual costiveness. It should be given in doses from one to two tea-cupfuls or more, in powder, three times a day. It seems most useful when given in substance, and in large doses. VINE, GRAPE. Vitis Vinifera. Several species of this valuable shrub grow in the United States. The success which has attended the attempts to cultivate foreign and native grapes, suffi- ciently prove that our climate is perfectly congenial to the cultivation of the vine, and, that with very little at- tention, we might supply ourselves abundantly with cheap and Avholesome wines. Wine certainly.is most excellent to prevent, as well as to cure diseases. A prudent use of it, when genuine, I can say, from my own experience and observation, ad- mirably conduces to health. It Avill be found particu- larly beneficial to the Aveak and aged, and to those who are exposed to a warm and moist air, or to a corrupted one; It exhilirates the spirits, quickens the circula- tion, promotes digestion, invigorates both the body and mental faculties, and thereby renders persons less sus- ceptible to disease. As a medicine, wine is a most grateful and valuable cordial in languors and debility, in which it is found to raise the pulse, support the strength, promote perspira- tion, and resist putrefaction. Hence we cannot appre- ciate too highly this reviving liquor, which justly merits the title of " donum Dei," gift of God. Were Ave to have less recourse to ardent spirits, and instead of con- tinuing in those abominable practices of drinking before dinner, to take a feAV glasses of Avine after dinner, we should find "our account" in it. During my long resi- dence in Savannah, and exposed as I was alternately by my professional pursuits, to the scorching sun and chilling night air, I Avas never attacked with the pre- MATERIA MEDICA. 581 Vailing fever, incident to that climate, which I ascribe almost entirely to the daily use of the purest and best wine. In further corroboration of this fact, I will Avith candour state, that, when from unforeseen reverses of fortune, I Avas induced to remove to tlie more healthy situation, as I thought, of Washington, not a season has elapsed, but some one or other of my family has snffered severely-Avith the bilious or nervous fever, Avhich I cannot but ascribe, in-a great measure, to our not drinking such good Avine as Ave were accustomed to at the soutliAvard. There arc many persons in good circumstances, avIio object to the daily use of Aviue, as being too expensive. To such I Avould recommend it as economy. Besides the very great satisfaction Avhich Avould naturally Aoav from having a healthy family, money is often saAed by a prudent use of it. To illustrate this, it is only ne- cessary to state, that several families at the soutlnvard, Avho were in the habit of paying annually large ac- counts for medical attendance, inquired of me how it Avas, that myself and family enjoyed sucli perfect health, while they were sickly. I remarked, that it Avas principally OAving to drinking good Avine, and assured them, though against my interest, if they Avould but pursue my plan, they also Avould enjoy good health. Some of them adopted my plan, Avhich carried convic- tion Avith it: for on the following year, and pfterwards, they enjoyed much better health, Avere enabled to attend to their business, and found the expense of the wine saved in their physician's bill. Others again object to the habitual use of Avine, as not congenial to their con- stitution, observing that whenever they entertained, or dined Avith their friends, they Avere either induced from politeness or persuasion, to drink as the rest of the company,* from which their heads Avere uniformly af- * The following anecdote Vill at once show the absurdity of pressing- our friends to drink more wine than tlieir appetites crave. A foreigner was in- vited t) a partv, consisting, as he was told, of English philosophers, of whom he conceived a great deal. After a very plenteous dinner, the cloth was cleared, and the bottles were placed on the table. He wa= pressed after five glasses to drink on, but tlie strajigvr persisted ui assuring the con- 1fi 582 MATERIA MEDICA. fected, and they ahvays felt disagreeable on the fol- lowing day. This objection is at once refuted, by sim- ply stating, it is my Avish to impress on my readers the use, but not the abuse of wine, Avhich no man more heartily than myself abhors, especially in young per- sons, whose readiness to take glass for glass Avith their ciders, is to me one,of the most lamentable spectacles in nature. The excessive use of this stimulant, as Avell as every other, is most certainly injurious to the sys- tem, and ought, therefore, to be carefully guarded against by every rational person. It deserves also to be noticed, that the same quantity of wine which Avould produce intoxication in one person,-would have little Or no effect on another; and there is also a wide dif- ference between taking it on an empty stomach, and on a full one. As it respects myself, it is a positive fact, that one glass taken an hour or. two before dinner, will affect my head more than a pint after dinner. In like manner, a half pint of adulterated or impure wine, Avill produce unpleasant sensations on me, Avhen a pint of genuine Madeira, will have no other than the plea- sing effect of invigorating the constitution. The appre- hension Avhich some persons entertain, that children, early accustomed to ay ine7 a\ ill be apt to become drunk- ards, is Avithout the smallest foundation Avhatever. On the contrary, it is a lamentable truth, that we daily see persons, Avho were restrained in the early period of their lives, from drinking Avine, toddy, or table drink, in the presence of their parents, become perfect sots after they arrived at the age of manhood. It is one of the greatest commendations of Avine, that Ave never see those who daily indulge the use of it, become drunk- ards. This is verified, not only in France, but in many parts of our union. In Charleston, Savannah, and Augusta, the inhabitants generally make use of wine; the consequence of which is, they are sober, dis- creet, and, notwithstanding the climate, are healthy. It is a rare thing indeed to see a drunkard of any de- pany, he felt no drought. These philosophers began then to-be ancrry, and the foreigner rang the bell, and insisted on another course, for they ought as much to eat, ns he had to drink against inclination. ► MATERIA MEDICA. 583 scription in the streets of those, cities. Whether it is OAving to their drinking less ardent spirits, or a better police than we have, I will not pretend to say, but such is the fact, and Avould to God I could, Avith equal propriety, make the same remarks of the metropolis of the United States, Avhere drunkenness among the lower class and negroes, reigns triumphant, throwing open, as it were, the flood-gates of every species of vice. <•' Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be Seen ; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.'' Pope. It is also worthy of remark, that among the genteel circles in Charleston, Savannah, and Augusta, you Avill hardly meet with an instance of a gentleman drink- ing any thing before dinner, or pressing his friends to take more Avine after dinner than they feel an in- clination for; however, this is nothing more than what might have been expected from those who are not ex- celled by any society on earth, either for polished manners, or true hospitality. " Experientia docet," experience teaches, is my motto, and as I speak from this alone, I feel conscious of the rectitude of my heart, in earnestly recommending to my fellOAV-citizens, both old aud young, the daily and prudent use of genuine Avine, at least during the sickly season, and in un- healthy situations, without any fear whatever of mak- ing sots of them. That the tenderest infant may be benefited by it, I am convinced from my own practical observations; but if higher authority is required, I will conclude with,the following sentiment of that celebra- ted physician/ the late pro lessor Rush.. It is remarkable, says he, that the children of per- sons in easy circumstances, who sip occasionally, with their parents, the remains of a glass of wine after din- ner, are much less subject to disease, than the children of poor people, wno are Aviuiout the benefit of that ar- ticle of diet. 4, 581 MATERIA MEDICA. Having said so much, in praise of the generous juice of the grape, and considering it, as 1 sincerely do, one of the choicest medicines in the Materia Medica, I can- not do otherwise than present my readers with the fol- lowing most approved method for making American A\ines, taken from the Domestic Encyclopedia, vol. 5. Grapes must be fully ripe before they are gathered ; gather them in a fair day, Avhen they are perfectly dry; and take aAvay all the rotten and unripe grapes, for they spoil the Avine. If your vintage be large, and you gather more grapes than you can mash and press out in one day, let them be gathered Avithout bruising, for bruised grapes soon contract an unsavory taste, and hurt the wine; hoAvever, if they are mashed the same day they are gathered, the bruising will do no hurt. Chaptall advises to cut off the tails of grapes very short with a pair of scissors, and to choose none but sound grapes, and those clusters which are best ex- posed, rejecting those Avhich have been sheltered, and near the ground, and to prefer those Avhich ripen at the bottom of the vines. They are then to be put into small baskets to prevent the loss of juice, by the superincum- bent Aveight; and Avhen full they ought to be put in carts, or on the backs of men or horses. I Avould advise the gathering of iheni to be direct- ed by some grave discreet person; for as this Avork is done generally by servants and children, it is made matter of pastime and frolic; and so many grapes are torn off, and either bruised or scattered on the ground, to the no small damage of the OAvner, both in the loss of fruit, and in hurting the Avine: and these things should be impressed on the minds of the gatherers be- fore they begin, that every thing may be done regularly and in order, by which menus more work will be done, and to much better purpose. If white frosts ha •i»en before some of your grapes are fully ripe, let them still hang on the vines, and they will grow ripe, rich, and higii Savoured; but they must be gathered before the Aveatha* be so hard as to freeze the grapes, for that A\iil spoil them: the light frosts * MATERIA MEDICA. 585 that only kill the leaves do not hurt the fruit, ueless it be such as are late ripe; these should be carefully co vered from all frosts, they should groAv against Avails or board fences fronting the south or south-east, and at night be covered with mats or frames thatched with straw, which should be so contrived as to be set up to cover the fruit or let doAvn at pleasure. As the wine made from black grapes has a different management from that made of white grapes, I shall begin with the white; these then must be gathered as 1 mentioned before, in a fair day, Avhen the grapes are perfectly dry; and both the rotten and unripe grapes being carefully plucked off from every bunch, the clus- ters are then throAvn into the mash vat, and two or three men, according to the quantity, having washed their feet and legs very clean in bran and Avater, get into the vat and trample and mash the grapes thoroughly, so that none escape. Chaptall says, as a general rule, that the grapes must be equally pressed, to ensure a uniform fermentation : and the vat filled in 24 hours, to avoid the inconveni- ence and imperfections arising from a successive series of fermentations, and when unexpected rain suspends the collection of the grapes, the juice of those already collected and placed in the vat, must ferment separately. The first and second pressing being mixed together, is put into hogsheads, and filled within four inches ol the bung, that it may have room to work and ferment, the casks placed in some warm room or dry cellar, Then having a small spile fixed in the middle of the head of the cask, the third or fourth day, draw a little of the wine in a glass, and if it be pretty fine, draAv it off im- mediately into a clean dry well scented cask, the larger the better, so you have Avine enough to fill it, which you must do Avithin two inches of the bung, and stop it close, leaving onlv the vent-hole open for a second fer- mentation ; after a few days it will work a second time, but not so much as at the first; if your AViue be strong and good, which you may know by the age of your vineyard, and by the goodness of the seasons, it will be best to Vye the bin:.; hole open for this second 586 MATERIA MEDICA. working, the AA^ine will be the better : for strong Avines require a greater fermentation than weak Avines, and the stopping of the bung-hole checks the working, and prevents weak wines from spending themselves too much; on the contrary, if strong wines have not a tho- rough Avorking, they are apt to grow, thick and ropy : by this you may form a proper judgment what degree of fermentation is proper for the Avine that is under working, and govern yourself accordingly. Three or four days after the second fermentation begins, care-t fully watch your wines every day, again try them in a glass, and if they be pretty fine, prepare a cask sweet and good, burn a good large brimstone match in it, and as soon as the match is burnt out, 'whilst the cask is full of smoke, draw off the Avine into it; iioav fill up your cask to the brimj and bung it up tight, and stop the vent hole; the smoke of the brimstone will hinder any further fermentation;, and this is called stunning or sul- phuring ; then make a mortar of clay and horse dung mixed up Avith strong flaxseed jelly, and covering the bung and vent hole close with it, let it stand till it is fit for use,. When you first rack off, if you have any old wine that is rich and good, of the same kind or colour, put four or six gallons of it, and two gallons of good brandy into your cask, this quantity is sufficient for an ^English hogshead, and then rack off your Avine into it for the first time, this will greatly strengthen and preserve it. When Avine is in fermentation, all the gross parts are throAvn up to the top of the cask, or vessel that it fer- ments in, and there meeting the air, they contract a harshness. If then they are suffered to pass down through the body of the wine, which they certainly will do as soon as the fermentation is over, they Avill com- municate those evil qualities to the Avine. For this rea- son, draw off your wine both times before the fermen- tation be quite over. These general rules are of great consequence. I now pass on to the making of red Avines from the black grapes. Red wines have a different management fi'cm the white; the whole < ■? one or even two days MATERIA MEDICA. 587 treading or mashing, where the vintage is great, i* thrown into a large vat, the must, stalks, skins and all. and stands in some warm dry place or cellar. The vat is covered close Avith sheets or blankets, or both, and thus it remains, according to custom, from four to seven or even ten days, according to the coldness or heat of the Aveather. This is done to obtain a strong fermen- tation, in order to give a deeper colour to the Avine; and this is the only end proposed by it; the manager of this Avork, visits the vat twice a day, and in a glass vieAvs the colour of the Avihe and tastes it; if the tincture be not deep enough to his mind, he knows by the taste of the Avine, whether it will stand a longer fermentation : if it Avill not, he contents himself with the colour it has, and draws and presses it off, and fills it into casks, leaving about two 'inches from the bung, for a second fermentation. When the second fermentation is over, which generally happens in four or five days, he then draAvs it off into clean well scented casks, and adds to it six gallons of good old Avine and two gallons of brandy to an English hogshead, Avhich contains from 60 to 63 gallons. Where the same kind of wine is not to be had, he makes use of Port wine. He then fills the cask quite full, and bungs it up tight, leaving only the vent hole open to let out the generated air. Note : when I say, where the same kind of Avine is not to be had, he. makes use of Portugal wines, this is mentioned for our prac- tice, not that the French make use of such Avines, for they ahvays have wines enough ofjheir own of the same kind. Besides the main pulp or core of the grape, which is white in black grapes as well as others, there sticks to the inside of the skin, a considerable body of rich pulp, of a deeper dye in some than in otliers. This pulp gives the colour to the grape, this same pulp also gives the colour to the wine, for the same grape is capable of making white wine as well as red wine ; if the main core Avhich is first trod out, be only used, the wine Avill be white; but if the red pulp be mixed with it, it makes it of a rich purple colour; as this is a clear case, the great point of improvement is, to dissolve or extrr.ct this 588 MATERIA MEDICA. rich pulp, without injuring the Avine. That the present method is the best and most effectual to that purpose, I can by no means think; the violent fermentation through which the wine is made to pass, in order to procure the tincture, must exhaust the spirits in a very great degree, and leave the body in a weak and languid state, and subject it to harshness, to turn eager or vapid in a short time; I think I have reason to conclude, that if the husks or skins, after four days lying in the murk, were taken out, and thrown into the mash vat, and trod over again, and especially if*some of the must, or rather Avine, be now and then thrown over the husksj in order to wash aAvay the pulp, that a full tincture may be obtained, without torturing the wine, as the present manner is, and Avithout running so great a risk of spoiling it. » Another Method, by Joseph Cooper,.Esq. of Gloucester county, Neiv Jersey. I put a quantity of the comb from which the honey had been drained, into a tub, and added a barrel of cider, immediately from the press; this mixture was ay ell stirred, and left for one night. It Avas then strain- ed before a fermentation took place; and honey was added until the strength of the liquor was sufficient to bear an egg. It Avas then put into a barrel; and after the fermentation commenced, the cask was filled every day, for three or foflr days, that the filth might work out at the bunghole. When the fermentation moderat- ed, I put the bung in loosely, lest stopping it tight might cause the cask to burst. At the end of five or six Avecks, the liquor was draAvn off into a tub; and the whites of eight eggs, Avell beat up, with a pint of clean sand, Avere put into it: I then added a gallon of cider spirit; and after mixing the whole Avell together, 1 re- turned it into the cask, which Avas Avell cleansed, bunged it tight, and placed it in a proper situation for racking off, when fine. In the month of April follow- ing, I drew it off* into kegs, for use; and found it MATERIA MEDICA. 089 equal, in my opinion, to almost any foreign wine: in the opinion of many judges, it Avas superior. This success has induced me to repeat the experi- ment for three years ; and I am persuaded, that by using clean honey instead of the comb, as above de- scribed, such an improvement might be made, as Avould enable the citizens of the United States to supply them- selves Avith a truly federal and wholesome wine, which Avould not cost a quarter of a dollar per gallon, Avere all the ingredients procured at the market price; and Avould have this peculiar advantage over every other wine, hitherto attempted in this country, that it con- tains no foreign mixture, but is made from ingredients produced in our own farms. VIOLET, RATTLE SNAKE, Grows about four inches high, on the banks of rivers, and in pine woods; leaves grow in a cluster from a stalk, oval-shaped, fleshy, and full of small veins; flowers of a pale blue colour. An infusion of this plant, a handful to a quart of boiling water, taken in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, and some of the green leaves bruised, and applied twice or thrice a day, to scrofulous tu- mors, or king's evil, is said to be an infallible remedy. VIOLET, SWEET. Viola Odorata, Is cultivated in our gardens; leaves heart-shaped, notched, flower deep purple, and odoriferous. A tea-spoonful of the powdered herb is celebrated as a mild laxative. To children, a strong infusion or de- coction formed into a sirup with molasses, honey, or sugar, in doses of a wine-glassful, Avill be more ac- ceptable. 4> D ?>90 MATERIA MEDICA. VIRGIN'S BOWER, Gioavs about tAvo feet high, near ponds and Ioav pas- tures ; leaves opposite in pairs, and terminated by an odd one, the flowers someAvhat resemble the appearance of feather t;ils. A small handful of the leaA'es infused in a quart of boiling Avater, and given in doses of a gill three times a day, is said to be very beneficial in venereal sores, or cutaneous eruptions of long standing, particularly if the sores are Avashed with the same. The bruised green leaves have been applied to ulcers, as an escharotic to destroy fungous or proud flesh. VIRGINIA, OR BLACK SNAKE ROOT. Serpentaria Virginiana, Grows in rich woodlands, from seven to nine inches high, leaves heart shaped, floAvers of a purplish brown colour. The root is composed of a number of strings or fibres, issuing from one head, and matted together, of a brownish colour on the outside, and pale or yel- loAVish Avithin. It has an aromatic smell, and a Avarm bitterish pun- gent taste. It promotes perspiration, raises the pulse, and resists putrefaction. Hence it is especially adapted to the low and advanced stage of typhus or nervous fever. It may be given in the form of infusion or tea, a handful to a quart of boiling Avater, in doses of a tea- cupful, or in poAvder, from ten to thirty grains every two or three hours. Conjoined Avith the Peruvian bark, or any of its substitutes, it is an admirable remedy in obstinate cases of the ague and fever, and other dis- orders of general Aveakness. In cold phlegmatic habits, it has also been exhibited in the form of tincture, and Avhen united with double the quantity of dogwood bark, or berries, it affords a good bitter. Professor Barton MATERIA MEDICA. SOi 'observes, that a strong decoction of the root Avas used with great benefit as a gargle in a putrid sore throat, which prevailed in New Jersey. Externally applied, the decoction has been found to cure the itch. WAKE ROBIN. See Cuckow Pint. WALNUT, WHITE, Juglans Alba, Affords one of the finest cathartic medicines in the whole American Materia Medica. The inner bark, boiled for several hours, then strained and reboiled to the consistence of thick honey, forms the best prepara- tion of this invaluable medicine- A common sized pill or two at going to bed, is admirable to remove those costive habits, which occasion headachs, loaded stom- achs, colics, &c. And in increased doses, say double quantities, it will be found a sovereign medicine in dysentery, bilious fever, and all other complaints re- quiring aperient medicines, more especially if combined with equal quantities of calomel. I cannot quit this ex- tract without most heartily recommending it to every American family to keep it constantly by them. The bark of the root is excellent to raise a blister, therefore may be substituted for Spanish flies. WATER CRESSES, GroAvs in running brooks and wet ditches. The sreen herb, eaten as a vegetable, and the ex. pressed mice in doses of a table-spoonful two or three times a day, is an effectual remedy for the scurvy. 592 MATERIA MEDICA. WATER TREFOIL. See Trefoil, Water. WHITE BRYONY, Grows in Ioav meadows and swamps ; the stems twist about bushes, and shoot out to a great extent, the leaves pointed, irregularly toothed, very large, diminishing gradually to the top, flowers of a yelloAV green, Avhich produce a red berry; the root is Avliite and large. A very strong decoction of the root strained, and then simmered slowly by the fire, until it become of the con- sistence of honey, is said to be a good purgative medi cine in doses from one to three tea-spoonfuls. WHITE WOOD. See Poplar. WILLOW. Salix. Professor Barton thinks that our avUIoavs possess nearly the same virtues that have been ascribed to those of Europe, and that they might be substituted for the Peruvian bark. The bark of the Avliite Avillow, smooth Avillow, and crack Avillow, so called from the remark- able brittleness of its branches, collected when it abounds with sap, has been successfully employed in intermittent or ague and fever, in doses of one or two drachms. The broad-leaved Avillow is said to possess greater virtues than either of the above. This species may be distinguished by the shape of its leaves from all others, except the bayleaved Avillow. The leaves of the latter are smooth and shining, of a deeper green, and have not the downy appearance on the under sur- face, which is so remarkable in this. It is found in MATERIA MEDICA. 593 woods and hedges, on hilly situations, and delights in cold clayey moist grounds. A strong decoction of this bark resembles port wine- in colour. It is astringent to the taste, and somewhat bitter. According to Dr. Wilkinson, it is a remedy of great efficacy in most cases Avhere the Peruvian bark is indicated. He directs one ounce and a half (a handful) of the bark to be infused in one quart of Avater for six hours, then boil it over a gentle fire for a quarter of an hour, and strain for use. Of this, the ordinary dose is a wine-glassful three or four times a day. But in ague and fever, the dose may be repeated every third hour in the interval of the fit. WINTERBERRY. See Alder, Black, WINTERGREEN. See Calico Tree. WOOD BETONY, Grows about a foot high in upland Avoods, and old pastures; the stem square and hairy, the leaves oppo- site and hairy, the flowers in spikes of a purple colour. An infusion of the herb, a handful to a quart of boil- ing water, in doses of a tea-cupful every two hours, is said to be serviceable in rheumatic or gouty affections. WORMSEED. See Jerusalem Oak. WORMWOOD. See Mugwort. YARROW, Gioavs in dry pastures, and along the sides of fences, about a foot high ; leaves pointed, flowers white, ting- ed with a little purple beneath, 4)91 MATERIA MEDICA. A handful of the tops of yarrow infused in a quart of boiling water, in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, is reputed to be a valuable medicine in the dysentery, bleeding piles, and restraining immoderate flow of the menses. A table-spoonful of the expressed juice, taken twice a day, and the herb bruised, or in the form of poultice, is said to have cured a cancer of the breast. The green leaves pounded, and applied over a bruise, dissipates it in a few days. COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. —«■><© HERBS and leaves are to be gathered in dry Avea- ther, after the deAv is off them, and are to be freed from decayed, Avithered, or foreign leaves. They are usually tied in bundles, and hung up in a shady, warm, and airy place, or spread upon the floor, and frequently turned. If very juicy, they are laid upon a sieve, and dried by a gentle degree of artificial warmth. They should be dried in such quantities at a time that the process may be finished as quickly as possible ; for by this means their powers are best preserved : the test of Avhich is, the perfect preservation of their natural colour. Flowers ought also to be collected in clear dry Avea- ther, after the deAV is oflj immediately after they have opened. They should also be dried nearly as leaves, but more quickly, and with more attention. As they must not be exposed to the sun, it is best done by a slight degree of artificial warmth. Barks and woods should be collected when the motet active part of the vegetables are concentrated in them, which happens in spring and in autumn. Spring is preferred for resinous barks, and autumn for those that are gummy. Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed from decayed parts, and all impurities. Seeds and fruits are to be gathered Avhen ripe, but before they fall spontaneously. 396 MATERIA MEDICA. Roofs which arc annual, should be collected before they shoot out their stalks or floAvers. Those which are Avorm eaten or decayed are to be rejected. The others are immediately to be cleaned with a brush and cold water, letting them lie in it as short time as possible; and the fibres and little roots, Avhen not essential, are to be cut aAvay. Roots which consist principally of fibres, and have but a small top, may be immediately dried. If they be juicy, and not aromatic, this may be done by a moderate heat ; but if aromatic, by simply exposing thein, and frequently turning them in a cur- rent of cold dry air. If very thick and strong, they are to be split or cut into slices, and strung upon threads ; if covered with a tough bark, they may be peeled fresh, and then dried. Such as lose tlieir vir- tues by drying, or are directed to be preserved in a fresh state, are to be kept buried in a dry sand. The proper drying of vegetable substances is of the greatest importance. It is often directed to be done in the shade and sloAvly, that the volatile and active par- ticles may not be dissipated by too great heat; but this is an error, for they always lose infinitely more by slow than by quick drying. When, on account of the co- lour, they cannot be exposed to the sun, and the warmth of the atmosphere is insufficient, they should be dried by an artificial warmth, less than 100° Fahren- heit, and Avell exposed to a current of air. When per- fectly dry and friable, they have little smell; but after being kept some time, they attract moisture from the air, and regain their proper odour. DISPENSATORY. HAVING finished, as far as the limits of this work will permit, a general detail of the practice of domestic medicine, adapted to the climate of our country, it noAv only remains to notice the medicines requisite for family use, and to point out the best forms of prescribing them, in the treatment of the different diseases, described in the preceding parts of this work. The following table of medicines will be found suffi- cient to answer every purpose of domestic practice, and the expense Avill be found nothing, compared to the great advantages which must result from being constant- ly supplied with them. To render the work still more complete, I have, in this table, annexed to the medicines, their doses, according to the age of the patient; observ- ing, however, that whatever general rule may be given, it can only be applied with reference to the habit and state of the patient. The judgment of the person who administers the medicine must therefore be exercised in this respect. It will be found that the constitution is often attended with certain peculiarities, both in relation to medicine in general, and also to certain substances particularly, which knowledge is only to be obtained by experience. 'x E A TABLE OF MEDICINES FOR FAMILY USE, WITH THEIR DOSES AND QUALITIES ANNEXED, gy- These doses must be increased, or diminished, ac- cording to the strength and habit of the patient 5m A TABLE OF MEDICINES FOR FAMILY USE, Medicines. Ars. solu. of fa J Antimonial wine ---as a diaphoretic Alum Aloes Arrow root Balsam capivi Balsam Turlington Barley Bitters Borax Bark, Pcruv. (b) Calomel Camphor Cream of tartar Causticvol.alk.liq. Corrosive sublimate Columbo Chalk, prepared Camomile flowers Castile soap Castor oil Ess. Pepper Mint. Elixir Vitriol iEther Vitriolic (c) Flax Seed Ginger Gamboge Gum Arabic Hartshorn, Spirit Honey Ipecacuanha Jalap Lunar Caustic Laudanum Magnesia Manna Nitre Nitric Acid Oil of Olive Opium (d) Ointment Simple ----Saturnine ----Mercurial >——Basilicon Paregoric Elixir Adult. 5 to 12 df 3 to 4 drachms 26 to 60 drops 5 to 15 grains 5 to 20 grains 20 to 80 drops do. do. 2 to 4 dms 30 grs to 2 dms 6 to 20 grains 4 to 20 grains 4 to 12 dms 4 to 2 dms 10 to 60 grs 25 to 50 grs 20 to 80 grs 4 to 12 dms 10 to 50 drops 15 to 40 drops i to 2 dms 5 to 25 grains 6 to 12 grains £ to \\ drms 15 to 30 grains 15 to 40 grains 1 to 3 grains 20 to 60 drops i to 2 drms 1 to 2 ounces 10 to 30 grains | to 3 grains 1 to 4 drms From 19 to 15 5 to 10 drops 3 to 3| drms 20 to 50 drops 4 to 12 grs 4 to 18 grs 17 to 60 drops do. do. 1 to 3 dms 30 to 1| dm 5 to 15 grs 3 to 15 grs 4 to 8 dms i to 1| dm 10 to 50 grs 20 to 45 grs 20 to 60 grs 3 to 10 dms 10 to 40 drops 12 to 35 drops 4 to 14 dm 5 to 20 grains 5 to 10 grains A to 1 drm rom 15 to 10 4 to 8 drops 2| to 3 drms 15 to 40 drops 3 to 10 grains 3| to 15 grains 15 to 40 drops do. do. 1 to 2 drms 25 to U drms 4 to 10 grains 2 to 10 grains 3 to 8 drms -| to 1 dram From 10 to 6 3 to 6 drops 2 to 2£ drms 12 to 30 drops 2 to 7 grains 3 to 12 grains 12 to 30 drops do. do. 20 to i drm 3 to 8 grains 2 to 6 grains 2 to 5 drms 5 to 50 drops 8 to 40 grains 16 to 40 grains 20 to 50 grains 3 to 8 drms 8 to 30 drops 10 to 30 drops 30 dps to 1 dm 4 to 18 grains 4 to 8 grains 20 to 50 drops 12 to 25 grains 10 to 30 grains j to 24. grains 15 to 50 drops | to i \ drm ! to \ ounce 10 to 25 grains \ to 2 grains 1 to 3 drms 10 to 20 grains 8 to 2 5 grains \ to 2 grains 12 to 40 drops 20 grs to 1 dm i to \\ ounce 8 to 20 grains \ to 1 grain 1 to 2 drms 7 to 35 grains 15 to 35 grains 15 to 40 grains 2-| to 6 drms 6 to 20 drops 8 to 20 drops 18 dps to 1 dm 3 to 15 grains 3 to 6 grains 15 to 30 drops 8 to 15 grains 6 to 20 grains tV to H Srains 10 to 25 drops 15 to 50 grains 1 to 1 ounce 5 to 12 grains 50 dps U dm WITH THEIR DOSES AND QUALITIES ANNEXED. 5m From 6 to 4 2 to 5 drops | to 2£ dims 10 to 20 drops 1^ to 5 grains 2 to 10 Q-rains 10 to 20 drops do. do. 15 to 40 grains 2 to 6 grains 2 to 4 grains 2 to 4 drms 20 to 40 drops 6 to 25 grains 12 to 30 grains 12 to 30 grains 2 to 5 drms 4 to 15 drops 6 to 15 drops 15 to 50 drops 3 to 12 grains 10 to 15 drops 6 to 12 grains 5 to 15 grains To t0 l Srain 8 to 20 drops 10 to 40 grains 3 to 6 drms 2 to 10 grains From 4 to 2 1 to 4 drops 1 to 2 drms 8 to 15 drops 1 to 3 grains 11 to 8 grains 8 to 15 drops do. do. 12 to 30 grains 2 to 5 grains 1 to 3 grains 1 to 3 drms 15 to 30 drops 5 to 20 grains 10 to 25 grains 10 to 25 grains 1| to 4 drms 3 to 12 drops 4 to 10 drops 12 to 40 drops £ to 10 grains 5 to 10 drops 5 to 10 grains 4 to 12 grains Tf to i Srain 5 to 15 drops 8 to 30 grains 2 to 4 drms 2 to 8 grains From 2 to 1 |to 3 drops 1 to \\ drm 6 to 10 drops 1 to 6 grains 5 to 10 drops do. do. 10 to 25 grains 2 to 4 grains 1 to 2 grains \ to 2 drms 10 to 20 drops 4 to 15 grains 7 to 20 grains 8 to 20 grains 1 to 3 drms 2 to 10 drops 2 to 6 drops 8 to 30 drops 2 to 8 grains 3 to 8 drops 4 to 8 grains 3 to 8 grains 3 to 8 drops 6 to 20 grains 1 to 3 drms 1 to 6 irreins 1 to 3 drms Under one i to 2 drops ± to 1 drm 4 to 8 drops 4_ to 5 grains 3 to 8 drops do. do. 6 to 16 grains I to 3 grains | to 1 grain I to 1 drm 5 to 10 drops 2 to 10 grains 5 to 12 grains 5 to 10 grains 1 to 2 dims 1 to 6 drops 1 to 4 drops 5 to 10 drops 1 to 6 grains 2 to 6 drops 1 to 5 grains 2 to 5 grains 2 to 6 drops 4 to 10 grains | to 2 drms 1 to 4 grains 1 to 2 drms 30 dps to 1 dm 20 to 50 drops 15 to SO drops 3 to ?o drops Qualities. Tonic Emetic Diaphoretic \ stringent Cathartic Nutritious food Corroborant Corroborant Nutritive Stomachic Deterg. externally Ton. and antiseptic Active purgative Stimulant Cooling aperient Stimulant Anti-venereal Stomachic and tonic Absorbent S tomach. and antiscp Attenuant and detei'. Purgative Carminative Tonic Stimulant Pectoral &obtundin$ Aromatic Purgative Obtunding Stimulant Pectoral Emetic Purgative Stimulant Anodyne Absorbent Miid aperient Diuretic and febri. Tonic and antiscor. Obtunding and open Anodyne 8c antisep. Cooling and healing ditto ditto Discutient Digestive Anodvne Sc prcto'V'. 600 A TABLE OF MEDICINES FOR FAMILY USE, Medicines. Adult. From 19 to 15 From 15 to 10 From 10 to 6 Pink Root, Carolina Rhubarb Powdered Rattle Snake Root Rust of Steel Red Precipitate Sugar of Lead Spanish Flies Salts Salt of Tartar Spirits of Turp. (e) Sal Ammo. Vola. • 15 to 50 grains 12 to 45 grains 10 to 40 grains 8 to 30 grains 5 to 25 grains 4 to 20 grains 3 to 15 grains 24_ to 3 grains 1 to 6 grains I to 5 grains ^ to 4 grains £ to 3 grains 4 to 16 drms 10 to 30 grains 4 to 14 drms 10 to 25 grains 3 to 12 drms 8 to 20 grains 2 to 8 drms 6 to 12 grains 5 to 20 grains 5 to 15 grains 4 to 12 grains 4 to 10 grains Senna Spirits of Lavendei Sulphur flour Tamarinds Tartar emetic (f) Turner's Cerate Tincture of Steel —rheumatic ----bark ----rhubarb ----foxglove ----cantharides ----columbo ----myrrh Vitriol white, ---- as a tonic ----blue Vir. Snake root 30 dps to 2 dms 2 to 8 dms 25 dps to l^dms 2 to 6 drms 20 dps to 1 dm 1 to 4 drms 15 to 50 drops 1 to 3 drms 2 to 6 grains 2 to 5 grains 2 to 4 grains 14, to 3 grains 8 to 18 drops \ to 1 ounce 2 to 6 drams 4 dms to 2 ozs 10 to 60 drops 10 to 50 drops 1 to 4 drms 6 to 15 drops 4 to 6 drms 2 to 5 drms 4 dms to l^oz 10 to 50 drops 10 to 45 drops 1 to 3£ drms 5 to 12 drops 2 to 4 drms 1 \ to 4 drms 3 to 8 drms 8 to 40 drops 10 to 40 drops 1 to 3 drms 4 to 10 drops 1 to 3 drms I to 34^ drms 2 to 6 drms 6 to 30 drops 8 to 30 drops 40 dps to 2£ dms 20 to 60 grains 2 to 5 grains 18 to 50 grains 1 \ to 4 grains 14 to 30 grains 1 to 3| grains 6 to 15 grains \ to 2 grains 10 to 20 grains 10 to 18 grains 8 to 15 grains 6 to 10 grains A TABLE OF MEDICINAL COMPOSITIONS, Antimonial Powders Antim.Solu.or mix. Anodyne Sudor, dps Absorbent mixture Anti-dysenteric mix Absor. 8c aperi. mix. Cathartic mixture Camphor, powders Camp, julep or mix. Decoc. or infus. bark Decoction of Senelui 8 to 15 grains 3 to 6 drachms 8 to 13 grains 3 to 5 drachms 7 to 12 grains 2 to 4 drachms 6 to 8 grains \\ to 3 drms 60 to 100 drops 4 to 8 drachms 60 to 90 drops 4 to 6 dms 50 to 80 drops 3 to 5 dms 40 to 70 drops 3 to 4 dms 6 to 12 dms 6 to 10 dms 5 to 8 dms 4 to 6 dms 6 to 12 dms 6 to 10 dms 5 to 8 dms 4 to 6 dms 10 to 15 grains 6 to 8 dms 10 to 12 grains 5 to 8 dms 8 to 12 grains 4 to 6 dms 6 to 10 grains 3 to 4 dms 2 to 6 ounces 2 to 5 ounces \\ to 4 ounces li to 3^ ounces 6 to 12 dms 6 to 10 dms 5 to 8 dms 4 to 6 dms WITH THEIR DOSES AND QUALITIES ANNEXED. 601 From 6 to 4 From 4 to 2 From 2 to 1 Under one. Qualities. Vermifuge Mild cathartic Diaphoretic Tonic Escharotic Astringent and tonic Blistering Cathartic Absorbent & febrif. Stimulant Stimulant Discutient Purgative Cordial Aperient Cooling, laxative Emetic Healing Tonic Anti-rheumatic Tonic Mild cathar. & stom, Diuretic Stimulant Tonic Detergent Emetic 6 to 25 grains 5 to 20 grains 4 to 12 drops 2 to 10 grains 2 to 10 grains 1 to 6 grains i to 2 grains \ to 3 grains -*- to 2 grains •J. to 1 grain 2 to 6 drms 4 to 8 grains li; to 4 drms 3 to 6 grains 1 to 3 drms 2 to 4 grains \ to 2 drms 1 to 3 grains 3 to 8 grains 2 to 6 grains 1| to 4 grains 1 to 3 grains 12 to 40 drops £ to 2 drms 10 to 30 drops 20 grains to 1 dm 6 to 20 drops 10 to 40 grains 2 to 10 drops 5 to 20 grains 1 to 2 grains ^ to 1 grain ^ to 1 grain i to 1 grain 3 to 8 drops ■J to 2 drms 1 to 3 drms 2 to 5 drms 5 to 20 drops 6 to 20 drops 30 dps to 2 dms 2 to 6 drops 20 to 60 drops 4 to 2 drms li to 3 drms 4 to 15 drops 4 to 15 drops 20 dps to 1£ dms 1 to 5 drops 2 to 3 drops i to li dm 1 to 2 drms 2 to 12 drops 2 to 5 drops 15 dps to 1 dm 20 to 40 drops 20 to 40 drops 1 to 8 drops 1 to 5 drops 10 to 40 drops 4 to 10 grains £ to 1 grain 2 to 5 grains 1 to 3 grains Escharotic Stimulant & stomac. 3 to 6 grains 1 to 4 grains | 1 to 3 grains WITH THEIR DOSES AND PROPERTIES. 4 to 6 grains 3 to 5 grains 2 to 4 grains 1 to 3 grains Diaphoretic 1 to 2 drachms \ to 2 drachms A to 1 drm \ to 1 drachm Ditto 30 to 60 drops 20 to 50 drops 10 to 30 drops 5 to 20 drops Anodyne and sudori. 2 to 3 drms li to 2i dms 1 to 2 drms \ to 1 dm Absorbent 3 to 5 drms 2i to 4 dms 2 to 3 dms 1 to 2 dms Anti-dysenteric 3 to 4 drms 2 to 4 dms 1 to 3 dms i to 2 dms Absorb, and aperient 3 to 5 drms 1\ to 4 dms 2 to 3 dms 1 to 2 dms Cooling cathartic 5 to 8 grains 4 to 6 grains 3 to 5 grains 2 to 4 grains Stimu. & diaphoretic 2 to 4 drms 1 to 3 dms 1 to 2 dms \ to 1 dm Stimulant I to 3 ounces 1 to 2 ounces 6 to 12 dms 4 to 8 dms Tonic 3 to 5 drms 2* to 4 J- dms 2 to 4 dms 1 to 3 dms Diaphoretic COS A TABLE OF MEDICINAL COMPOSITIONS, COMPOSITIONS. Adult From 19 to 15 From 15 to 10 From 10 to 6 Febrifuge powders ------mixture Infusion of Columbo Lime water Saline mixture Spiritofmindererus Sirup of flaxseed" Tonic powders Vitriolic solution 8 to 15 grains 6 to 12 drachms 1 to 3 ounces 1 to 4 ounces 6 to 8 dms 6 to 8 dms 6 to 8 dms 15 to 50 grains 4 to 6 dms 8 to 13 grains 6 to 10 drachms 1 to 3 ounces 1 to 3 ounces 5 to 8 dms 5 to 8 dms 5 to 8 dms 12 to 40 grains 3 to 5 dms 7 to 10 grains 5 to 8 drachms 1 to 2 ounces 1 to 3 ounces 4 to 7 dms 4 to 7 dms 4 to 7 dms 10 to 30 grains 2 to 4 dms | 6 to 8 grains 4 to 8 drachms 1 to 2 ounces 1 to 2 ounces 4 to 6 dms 4 to 6 dms 4 to 6 dms 8 to 25 grains 2 to 3 dms ERROR IN PAGINATION: 603 - 604 OMITTED IN NUMBERING WITH THEIR DOSES AND PROPERTIES. 605 From 6 to 4 4 to 6 grains 4 to 6 drachm £ to 2 ounces £ to 2 ounces 3 to 5 dms 3 to 5 dms 3 to 5 dms 6 to 20 grains li to 21. dms From 4 to 2 3 to 3 to 5 to Jto 3 to 3 to 3 to 4 to 1 to 5 grams 5 dms i ounce 1 ounce 4 dms 4 dms 4 dms ?. 2 grains 2 dms From 2 to 1 2 to 4 grains 2 to 4 dms 2 to 6 dms 2 to 6 dms 2 to 3 dms 2 to 3 dms 2 to 3 dms 1 to 6 grains 1 to 2 dms Under one 1 to 3 grains I to 4 drachms 1 to 4 dms 1 to 2 dms 1 to 2 dms 1 to 2 dms 1 to 2 dms 1 to 3 grains i to 1 dram PROPERTIES. Febrifuge Febrifuge Tonic Absorb, and Tonic Diaphoretic Diaphoretic Pect. and Obtunding Tonic Astringent. 4 F NOTES ON THE PRECEDING TABLE. (a) These drops should not be taken oftener than three times a day; and, like all other powerful medicines, it is proper to commence with the smaller doses, and gradually increase them. (b) It is often difficult for children to swallow this medicine, and in that case, employ it externally in the following manner: Take a piece of Holland cut in the form of a waistcoat, and for the lining, get humhums of an open texture. Between these cloths, from three to six ounces of bark must be closely quilted, and then the waistcoat appliedTon the naked skin. Every two or three days, it will be necessary to rub the jacket between the hands- It is sometimes proper to unite snake root with the bark. (Vide ague and fever.) (c) This medicine should be swallowed immediately when poured out of the vial, on account of its instantaneous evaporation. (d) In cases of tetany or obstinate colic, this medicine may be given in much larger doses. (e) This, with one fourth quantity of basilicon ointment, forms an excel- lent liniment for scalds and burns ; but, when these are extensive, and re- quire to be often dressed, the liniment should be applied by candle light with extreme caution, as it is so highly inflammable, that the smallest spark coming in contact with it, would produce an immediate combustien. (/) When this medicine is employed as an emetic, it is safest to dissolve the full dose in a given quantity of warm water, and take one fourth of the mixture every ten or fifteen minutes until vomiting ensue, which should be encouraged by drinking freely of warm water, and afterwards turned down* wards by taking a bowl of thin gruel made very salt. EXPLANATION OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 20 grains make one scruple, 3 scruples one drachm, 8 drachms one ounce, 16 ounces one pint. A tea-spoonful is equal to 60 drops or one drachm A table-spoonful is the measure of half an ounce. A large wine-glassful is equal to two ounces. DISPENSATORY. Recipe 1. ANTIMONIAL POWDERS. Take of Tartar emetic, three grains Nitre, two drachms. Mix. And after uniting them well together in a mortar, divide into doses, according to the age of the patient. One dose to be taken every two or three hours. In obstinate fevers the addition of ten grains of calo- mel to tlie above recipe, will render the medicine more salutary. Recipe 2. CAMPHORATED POWDERS. Take of Camphor, two scruples. Nitre powdered, two drachms. Moisten the camphor with spirits ; and after reduc- ing it to a fine powder, add the nitre. A dose to be taken every two or three hours in sirup. Recipe 3. FEBRIFUGE POWDERS. Take of Ipecacuanha one scruple Nitre, two drachms. Mix. A dose to be taken every two or three hours. 60S DISPENSATORY. Recipe 4. TONIC POWDERS. Take of Columbo in powder, and Rust of steel, each one ounce. Unite them well together in a mortar, and then divide into doses according to the age of the patient. A dose to be taken thrice a day. Recipe 5. CHARCOAL POWDER. Put lumps of charcoal a second time into the fire, until they are red hot; then take them out, and as soon as they become cool, blow off the external ashes, and immediately reduce them to a fine powder, which must be kt\)K in a corked bottle. This powder-is admirable for correcting bad breath.. as well as arresting the progress of mortification. Recipe 6. ANTIMONIAL SOLUTION, OR MIXTURE. Take of Tartar emetic, three grains Spirits of lavender, sixty drops Sugar, two drachms Water, half a pint. Mix. A dose to be taken every two or three hours. Recipe 7- VITRIOLIC SOLUTION. Take of White vitriol, three drachms Alum, two drachms DISPENSATORY. 609 Spirits of lavender, half an ounce Boiling water, one pint. Mix. A dose to be taken every morning on an empty stomach, without diluting it, and in some cases to be repeated every six hours. When evacuations are re- quired, the quantity of alum may be diminished or even entirely omitted, and when great astringency is requi- red, the quantity of alum is to be increased, and the vitriol to be diminished. Recipe 8. ABSORBENT MIXTURE Take of Chalk, prepared Gum Arabic, powdered White sugar, each two drachms Water, four ounces. Mix. Recipe 9. ABSORBENT AND APERIENT MIXTURE, Is made by adding one drachm of rhubarb to the above, recipe. Recipe 10. ANTI-DYSENTERIC MIXTURE. Take of Lemon juice or best vinegar, two ounces Common salt, as much as the acid will dissolve Strong mint tea, half a pint White sugar sufficient to sweeten it. Mix. A dose to be taken every two or four hours. 610 DISPENSATORY. Recipe 11. CATHARTIC MIXTURE. Take of Glauber salts, one ounce and a half Lemon juice or sharp vinegar, one ounce Water, half a pint Sugar, a sufficient quantity to sweeten it. Mix. Or, Cream of tartar finely powdered, and Manna, each one ounce Water, half a pint. Mix. A dose to be taken every hour until it operates. Recipe 12. CAMPHORATED MIXTURE, OR JULEP. Take of Camphor, one drachm Gum Arabic, two drachms White sugar, half an ounce Water, half a pint. Moisten the camphor with spirits, and after reducing it to a powder, add the gum arabic and sugar, and then by degrees pour ort the water, while triturating them together in a mortar. A dose to be taken every two or three hours. Recipe 13. FEBRIFUGE MIXTURE. Take of Nitre, two drachms Lemon juice or vinegar, one ounce Water, half a pint Sugar, a sufficient quantity to sweeten it. Mix. A dose to be taken every two hours^ DISPENSATORY. 611 Recipe 14. SALINE MIXTURE. Take of Salt of tartar, two drachms Lemon juice or vinegar, one ounce and a half Water, half a pint. Mix. A dose to be taken every two hours. Recipe 15. SPIRIT OF MINDERERUS. Take of Volatile sal ammoniac, two drachms Lemon juice or vinegar, half a pint, or as much as may be sufficient to saturate the volatile alkali. A dose to be taken every two hours. # Recipe 16. NITRIC ACID DILUTED. Take of Nitric acid, one to two drachms Water, one quart. Mix. As this acid is not always to be got of equal strength, it would be best to make a quart of water as sour with it as can be drank, which quantity may be taken daily by an adult, in small and repeated doses, and to prevent its injuring the teeth, it should be suck- ed through a quill. Recipe 17- ANODYNE SUDORIFIC DROPS. Take of Laudanum, one part Antimonial wine, two parts. Mix. 61^ DISPENSATORY. Recipe 18. ANODYNE SUDORIFIC DRAUGHT. Is prepared by adding a dose of the above drops to a cup of sweetened tea. Recipe 19. TONIC DROPS. See Tincture of Steel. A dose to be taken thrice a day. Recipe 20. ANODYNE SUDORIFIC BOLUS. Take of # Opium one grain Ipecacuanha, ten grains Sirup sufficient to form a bolus. Or, Opium and tartar emetic, each one grain Mucilage of gum Arabic sufficient to form a pill. Recipe 21. ? STIMULANT PURGATIVE PILLS. Take of Calomel and gamboge, each one drachm Soap, ten grains Sirup sufficient to form a mass. Beat them together, and then make twenty-four pills, Dose for an adult, from three to six. Or, Calomel Aloes and Soap, each one drachm Sirup sufficient to form a mass. DISPENSATORY. 613 To be divided into thirty-six pills. Dose for an adult, from four to eight. Or, Calomel one drachm Jalap two drachms Soap ten grains Sirup or mucilage sufficient to form a mass. To be divided into thirty-six pills. Dose for an adult, from six to eight. Recipe 22. PILLS OF SUGAR OF LEAD AND IPECA- CUANHA. Take of Sugar of lead and Ipecacuanha, each six grains Opium, one grain Sirup sufficient to form a ma=s. Divide into four parts; one pill to be taken every three hours, until the hemorrhage ceases. Recipe S3. TONIC PILLS. Add a sufficient quantity of sirup to the tonk powders, to form a mass, and make pills of an ordi- nary size. The number constituting a dose, to be ^aken thrice a day. Recipe 24. VITRIOLIC PILLS. Add a little crumb of bread, to any given quantity of white vitriol, and sirup sufficient to form a mass ; then divide the mass into as many parts as there are doses ©f white vitriol, according to the age of the patient. One pill to be taken thrice a day. 4 g 614 DISPENSATORY. Recipe 25. MERCURIAL PILLS. Take of Calomel, one drachm Opium and Tartar emetic, each ten grains Crumb of bread a small quantity Sirup, or mucilage of gum Arabic, sufficient to form a mass. Divide into forty parts. One pill to be taken night and morning by an adult. Recipe 26. MERCURIAL SOLUTION. Take of Corrosive sublimate, twenty-four grains Laudanum, half an ounce Spirits, one pint and a half. Mix. Dose for an adult, from three to six drachms, twice a day. Recipe 27- SATURATED SOLUTION OF ARSENIC. Take of Arsenic in powder, about one drachm Water, half a pint. Boil it for half an hour in a Florence flask, or in a tin sauce-pan ; let it stand to subside, and when cold, filter it through paper. To two ounces of this solution, add half an ounce of spirit of lavender. A dose to be taken twice or thrice a day. DISPENSATORY. 615 Recipe 28. SOLUTION OF CRUDE SAL AMMONIAC. Dissolve half an ounce of crude sal ammoniac in one pint and a half of cold water, and then add half a pint of vinegar. Recipe 29. ASTRINGENT WASHES. Take of Lime water, half a pint Brandy, four ounces. Mix. Or, Lime water, half a pint Corrosive sublimate, fifteen grains. Mix. Or, Lime water, half a pint Tincture of myrrh, one ounce. Mix. Or, Make a solution, either of lunar caustic or blue vi- triol in water, of sufficient strength to produce a little smarting. To be applied on lint to the sore. Recipe 30. SOLUTION OF KALI. Dissolve from one to two drachms of salt of tartar, in half a pint of water, to be applied as the above. Recipe 31. LIME WATER. Pour two gallons of water gradually, upon a pound of fresh burnt quicklime; and when the ebullition 616 DISPENSATORY. ceases, stir them well together; then suffer the whole to stand at rest till the lime has settled ; after which strain off the clear liquor, and keep it in vessels closely stopt:. Calcined oyster-shells may be used instead of quick- lime. Recipe 32. TAR WATER. Pour a gallon of water on two pounds of tar, and stir them strongly together with a wooden rod. When they have stood to settle two days, pour off the water for use. Recipe 33. CAUSTIC ALKALI, OR SOAP-LEES. Mix two parts of quicklime, with one of pot-ashes, and suffer them to stand till the lixivium be formed, which must be carefully filtrated through paper, before it be used. If the solution does not happen readily, a small quantity of water may be added to the mixture. Recipe 34. ANODYNE WATER. Take of Rose or common water, two ounces Laudanum, two drachms. DISPENSATORY, 617 Recipe 35. SATURNINE, OR LEAD WATER. Take of Sugar of lead, two drachms Water, one pint and a half. Mix. Or, Extract of lead, two drachms Spirits, half an ounce Water, one pint and a half. Mix the extract and spirits, and then add the water Recipe 36. DECOCTION OF BARK. Take of Bark, one ounce Boiling water, one pint. Simmer them together for ten minutes, and strain oft the liquor. Recipe 37. COLD INFUSION OF BARK. Mix one ounce and a half of bark in powder, in a quart of water ; let it stand twenty-four hours, occasion- ally shaking the bottle, and then strain off the liquor. This preparation is superior to the decoction. A dose to be taken every hour or two. 618 DISPENSATORY. Recipe 38. PURGATIVE INFUSION. Take of Senna, two drachms Salts and Manna, each half an ounce Boiling water, three gills. A large wine-glassful of the infusion to be take* every hour by an adult, until it operates. Recipe 39- INFUSION OF COLUMBO. Take of Columbo bruised, three drachms Boiling water, half a pint. Mix. After steeping for one hour, pour off the in- fusion. Recipe 40. COMMON GARGLE. Take of Barley water, or Flaxseed tea, half a pint Crude sal ammoniac, one drachm. Mix. Or, Sage tea, half a pint Vinegar, half an ounce Nitre, one drachm Honey, one ounce. Mix. DISPENSATORY. 619 Recipe 41. ASTRINGENT GARGLE. Take of Sage tea, or Infusion of roses, half a pint Vinegar, and Honey, each two ounces Alum, half a drachm. Mix. Or, Infusion of oak, or Peruvian bark, half a pint Honey, one ounce Alum, half a drachm. Mix. Recipe 42. DETERGENT GARGLE. Take of Astringent gargle, half a pint Tincture of myrrh, from half an ounce to an ounce Mix. Recipe 43. ITCH LOTION. Take of Corrosive sublimate, one drachm Crude sal ammoniac, two drachms Water, one pint and a half. Mix, 630 DISPENSATORY Recipe 44. INJECTIONS. Take of White vitriol and Sugar of lead, each one scruple Mucilage of gum Arabic, or Common water, half a pint. Mix, and after standing ten or fifteen minutes, strain off* the cleir liquor. An ordinary syringe full, to be thrown up the urethra six or eight times a day, after making water. Or, Recipe 49. Dissolve thirty grains of white vitriol, in half a pint of mucilage of gum Arabic or water. To be used as the above. Or, Recipe 46. Dissolve one grain and a half of corrosive sublimate mercury in half a pint of water. To be used as the above. Those injections may be made weaker or stronger, according to circumstances. Recipe 4%. EMOLLIENT GLYSTER, Take of Flaxseed tea and Milk, each six ounces. Mix. Or, DISPENSATORY, 621 Recipe 48. Warm water, half a pint Molasses, four ounces, or, Sweet oil and Brown sugar, each two ounces. Mix. If one drachm of laudanum be added to either of the above formula, it forms the anodyne glyster. \ ' ■■-' •'.. Recipe 49. STIMULATING GLYSTER. Take of Common salt and Brown sugar, each one ounce ' Olive, or Castor oil, two ounces Water, half a pint. Mix. Recipe 50. ANTIMONIAL WINE. Take of Glass of antimony powdered, two ounces Madeira wine, two pints. Digest for twelve days, now and then shaking the bottle, and then strain through paper. Recipe 51. LAUDANUM, OR THEBAIC TINCTURE Take of . Purified opium, two ounce* Brandy, two pints. . Digest for eight or ten days, frequently shaking: th* bottle, and then strain off the tincture. 4 it 622 DISPENSATORY. Recipe 52. TINCTURE OF RHUBARB. Take of Rhubarb, three ounces Lesser cardamon seeds, or Ginger, bruised, half an ounce Brandy, or • Rum, two pints. Digest for eight or ten days, and then strain. Recipe 53. TINCTURE OF BARK. Take of Peruvian bark, powdered, two ounces Orange peel, and Virginia snake root, each half an ounce Brandy, or Rum, two pints. Digest for eight or ten days, and strain. Recipe 54. TINCTURE OF COLUMBO. Take of Columbo root, bruised, three ounces Brandy, two pints. Digest for several days, and strain. DISPENSATORY. 628 Recipe 55. TINCTURE OF FOXGLOVE. Take of Dried leaves of foxglove, one ounce Brandy, half a pint. Digest for a week, and strain through paper. Recipe 56. TINCTURE OF CANTHARIDES. Take of Cantharides bruised, two drachms Brandy, one pint. Digest for seven or eight days, and then strain Recipe 5*1. TINCTURE OF MYRRH. Take of Myrrh in powder, one ounce and a half Spirits one pint. Digest for seven days, and strain. Recipe 58. PAREGORIC ELIXIR, OR CAMPHORATED TINCTURE OF OPIUM. Take of Purified opium Flowers of benzoin Camphor, and Essential oil of aniseed, each two drachms Brandy, two pints. . Digest for eight or ten days, frequently shaking the bottle, and then strain the elixir. 624 DISPENSATORY. Recipe 59. TURLINGTON'S BALSAM, OR COMPOUND TINCTURE OF BENZOIN. Take of Benzoin, three ounces Balsam of Tolu, one ounce Aloes, half an ounce Brandy, two pints. Digest for seven clays, and strain. Recipe 60. RHEUMATIC TINCTURE. Take of Gum guaiac Vitriolated tartar in powder, each three ounces Spirits, two pints. Digest for eight or ten days, and strain. A dose to be taken twice or thrice a day. Recipe 61. BITTERS. Take of Gentian root, two ounces Orange peel, and White canella, each one ounce Brandy, two pints. Digest for several days, and then strain. DISPENSATORY. 625 Recipe 62. CAMPHORATED SPIRITS, OR TINCTURE OF CAMPHOR. Take of Camphor, two ounces Brandy, one pint. Mix them together, that the camphor may be dis solved. Recipe 63. OPODELDOC, OR SOAP LINIMENT Take of Castile soap powdered, three ounces Camphor, one ounce Brandy, one pint. Digest the soap in the spirit by the fire until it is dissolved, and then add the camphor. Recipe 65. VOLATILE LINIMENT, OR AMMONIATED OIL. Take of Olive oil, two ounces Hartshorn, one ounce. Mix. Recipe 65. CAMPHORATED OIL. Take of Camphor, half an ounce Olive oil, two ounces. Moisten the camphor with a little spirit, and then rub it in a mortar with the oil, until dissolved. 626 DISPENSATORY. Recipe 66. HEMORRHOIDAL OINTMENT. Take of Galls levigated, two parts Hogs lard, eight parts. Mix. , Recipe 67. SIMPLE OINTMENT. Take of Olive oil, five parts White wax, two parts. Mix them together by a slow fire, and stir until it is cold. Recipe 68. SATURNINE OINTMENT. Take of Sugar of lead, two drachms White wax, two ounces Olive oil, half a pint. Rub the sugar of lead previously powdered, with some part of the olive oil; then add it to the wax melt- ed with the remaining oil, and stir the mixture until it be cold. Recipe 69. MERCURIAL OINTMENT. Take of Quick-silver, and Hogs lard, each one pound DISPENSATORY. 627 Tallow, one ounce Spirits turpentine, half an ounce. First triturate the quick-silver with the tallow and spirits of turpentine, until the globules entirely disap- pear ; then add the lard and form it into an ointment. Recipe 70. BASILICON OINTMENT. Take of Rosin, Bees-wax, each one pound Hogs lard, one pound and a half. Melt them together by a slow fire, and strain the mixture while hot. Recipe 71. TURNER'S CERATE. Take of Calamine prepared Yellow wax, each half a pound Hogs lard, one pound. TVIelt the wax with the lard, and as soon as the mix- ture, exposed to the air, begins to thicken, mix with it the calamine, and stir the cerate until it be cold. Recipe 73. BLISTERING PLASTER Take of Wax Rosin Tallow, and Gantharides, each equal parts. 628 DISPENSATORY." Having melted the three first ingredients together. sprinkle and mix in the flies powdered, a little before they become firm. When the blistering plaster is not at hand, its place may be supplied by sprinkling the flies over any oint- ment or paste, spread thin on leather or cloth. Recipe 74. SINAPISMS. Take of Good mustard, and Flour, or crumbs of bread, each equal parts Sharp vinegar, sufficient to form a poultice. It may be rendered more stimulating if necessary, by the addition of a little garlic or horse-radish. APPENDIX. J BILIOUS FEVER. (referred to in page 268.) IT was this disease commissioned by Heaven to terminate the earthly existence of that amiable young foreigner, Dr. Monteath, of the British army. But how can I think of him or his early fate without thinking at the same time of the 24th of August, that dark and dismal day ! the darkest and most dismal of all in the American calendar, which threw such a gloom over the rising glories of my country ! But a short time before that awful tragedy, I was congratulating myself, so little do we know what is be- fore us, as being happily situated in a city founded by the great Washington himself, and called after his name: a city where liberal nature had done so much, and where art and population alone were requisite to erect an em- porium that should vie with the noblest cities of the an- cient world, and through time immemorial display the grandeur of its high original. But a few days, I say, before this, I was indulging a train of thoughts so pleas- ing to the patriotic bosom, when I heard that the Bri- tish squadron in the Chesapeake bay, having received a reinforcement, had landed a small army at Benedict, on the river Patuxent. Many of my neighbours ap- peared to be much alarmed that the enemy should be so near. But, for myself, I can truly say, that my bo- som was never more entirely a stranger to panic, than at that season ; for I was firmly persuaded that the en- emy could have no other object in view, than the des- truction of our flotilla, which unfortunately had been chased some weeks before up the Patuxent. I could not for a moment suppose it possible, that he would 4 i 630 capture of Washington. have had the temerity to approach this place, par- ticularly after giving so long notice of the arrival of , the van of admiral Cochrane's fleet, which was about the middle of July. AricTit was very natural for them to expect our government would adopt the necessary precaution of having a force competent at least to pre- vent the destruction of our city. What! to make an attack on Washington, the me- tropolis of the United States, and in the interior too! fifty miles from their shipping, with woods and forests enough between to give our marksmen an opportunity to cut off ten times their number ! Under these circum- stances, will they ever dream of attacking Washington ? No, never. With far better chance they attacked Fort Stevenson, and also Sackett's Harbour, and Fort Erie; but the gallant Croghan, Brown, Backus, Scott, Gaines, Ripley, Towson, &c. soon gave them cause to repent of their temerity. And will they now dare invade the city of Washington, with such an immense population between, and such large cities to aid, and the President, Mr. Monroe, Gen. Armstrong, Capt. Jones, and Gen. Win- der to protect? Such was my reasoning, and a very fair way of reasoning too, I thought. And I was en- couraged in this belief, by learning that the President and his cabinet were in high spirits, and that Gen. Win- der, with only a small detachment of his army, under the command of the gallant Major Peter, of George- town, had held the enemy in check for a day or two. But, behold ! on the evening of the 23d, Gen. Win- 5 der retreated precipitately to Washington. However, I was not still without some consolation; for, on the same evening, Col. Minor, with his regiment from Vir- ginia, arrived in the city a little after sun-set. Im- mediately on his arrival, he requested me to present ; him to the President, which I did, as I also did my worthy school-mate, Dr. Peake, surgeon of the regi- ment. We had not been seated long before the President ob- j served that Col. Minor ought to have reported himself to ' the Secretary of War; consequently we hastened to the lodgings of Gen. Armstrong. After Col. Minor had CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 631 held a short interview with the Secretary, he returned with me to my house. On the way, instead of anima- ting my hopes, he became as it were Job's comforter, observing, such was the astonishing indifference mani- j fested on this occasion, that he felt no hesitation to de- I clare it as his opinion, that the city would be sacrificed. / Instead of being immmediately supplied with arms and/ ammunition, \& was, it seems, insjrijcted to make his men put in order the few guns which they had brought \ with them, and in the morning to report himself to Col. Carberry, who would furnish additional arms ! ! Ear- ly next morning Col. Minor made application for the arms; but was informed Col. Carberry had gone out to his country seat the evening before ! After several hours spent in most painful waiting for his return, Col. Minor was authorised by Gen. Winder to get the arms by any means. About this time Col. Carberry rode up. But, behold ! another cause of delay was presented. The arms were dealt out at last, but without flints ! and in- stead of throwing them out by handfuls, they were ac. tually counted out, one by one, as carefully as if they \ had been so many guineas. And it is a fact, that after { counting out a considerable number, the man employed j in this economizing business, fearing he had miscounted, j insisted upon counting them over again ! ! ! j Thus was our republic, a£ this awful crisis, deprived i of the services of Col. Minor and his regiment. For, in consequence of the above shameful delay, they were not able to join the army before the retreat. Receiving good information that the enemy was in ra- pid march for Bladensburg, Gen. Winder, then lying near the Eastern branch bridge, moved on to meet him there, where Gen. Stansbury, with his brigade from Baltimore, was stationed. The reader will observe that Bladensburg is a small village, about five miles from the capital, on the Anecos- tic or Eastern branch, where it is narrowed to a creek, which is passed on a bridge, and is every where above fordable. The village lies on the East side of this creek. On the West is a fine rising ground, with fences and bushes favourable to an invaded force of good 632 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. marksmen, besides a small breast-work which was has- tily cast up. This spot Gens. Winder and Stansbury fixed on to receive the enemy, who, about twelve o'clock, came in full view on the hills of Bladensburg, and very soon afterwards the battle commenced. The enemy finding, on getting near the bridge, he shohld have to pass a defile between the creek and marsh in front of our battery, instantly displayed a heavy column to the right, and passed the ford higher up the creek. This judicious movement, by depriving our men of the promised advantages of their batte- ry, as also presenting an appearance of an attempt to surround them, excited both alarm and despondence. The British having but one or two six-pounders, and knowing that the whole success of the expedition depended on carrying every thing with a coup de main, pushed on with a rapidity and firmness which raw troops were not to have been expected to resist, and conse- quently a general rout of the militia ensued. That the enemy would have met with a very differ- ent reception, had our troops been in a tolerable state of preparation, is evident from the following fact. The gallant Barney, Martin, and their brave comrades of j the flotilla, and Miller, Sevier, and Grayson of the ma- \ rine corps, were on the field of battle, but caught nothing \ of the epidemic fright. On the contrary, eager to stop the progress of the enemy, they came up in a trot, open- ing at the same time a destructive fire, which made hi- deous lanes through the British columns. But these columns were familiar with the ravages of death, and fighting under the eye of Ross, and headed by Thorn- ton, Wood and Brown, fearlessly filling up the chasms of fate, pushed forward with undaunted courage. But it was not for a few hundred troops to repel the enemy; and at length, overpowered by such vast superiority of numbers, their ammunition wagons re- treating, and themselves nearly surrounded, they were constrained to retire, leaving their commanding officers, the gallant Barney and Miller, dangerously wounded on the field. I shall not attempt to describe my feelings during CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 633 this awful conflict between the enemy and my coun- trymen. From the frequent advices brought that morning of the approach of the enemy, as also from the general movement of our troops to meet him at Bla- densburg, the inhabitants of Washington had been some time in a state of extreme anxiety, expecting every mo- ment the report of the guns that should announce the commencement of the battle. Between twelve and one, while with my trembling fa- mily in the third story of my house, we beheld the rockets \ ascending, and soon heard the roar of the cannon. When | the firing had ceased, my feelings were left in fearful fluc- tuation ;—now fondly hoping that my countrymen had prevailed—then awfully fearing that all was lost. This anguish of suspense was, however,but momentary. I soon discovered the dust beginning to rise above the forests in thick clouds, on whose dark tops growing larger and larger every minute, and rapidly advancing, I read the dismal fate that awaited us. Presently I beheld the unfortunate secretary of war and suite, in full flight, followed by crowds of gentlemen on horseback, some of whom loudly bawled out as they came on, "fly, fly ; the ruffians are at hand ! If you cannot get away yourselves, for God's sake send off your wives and daughters, for the ruffians are at hand !" When I surveyed the extended lines of our infantry and cavalry enveloped in clouds of dust, as if universal nature was in tumultuous motion, all heightened by the fearful apprehension, that the horrid scenes exhibited by the ene- my in Hampton and Havre de Grace were about to be acted in Washington, I felt myself palsied with horror. And as if the measure of my distress was not yet full, my wife standing by my side with looks wild with ter- ror, as though she beheld the enemy in sight, cried out, \ " Oh, what shall we do P what shall we do ? yonder they are coming!" and fell into convulsions; my two daughters shrieking by her side. The reader, especially , if he be an affectionate husband, may form some idea of my affliction. I shall not attempt to describe it. 'Supposing now that the tragedy of destruction was about to commence, and finding it impossible to obtain 634 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. / even a cart to remove my family to the country, I took my wife and two daughters, a little before sun-set, and leav- ing my house and property in the hands of servants, went to the house of a sick lady. Although Mrs. Orr, the lady whom I allude to, did not live more than a hundred yards from my house, I considered it a place of greater safety, as her extreme ill state of health would doubtless have protected her, even had the enemy been as was represented, "ruffians." Moreover, I was induced to go to the house of Mrs. Orr in consequence of her earnest entreaties, as her husband was from home, and some of her servants had run off with the frightened multitude, leaving her in a situation truly distressing. About twilight the enemy made his appearance in the city, which was announced by the firing of muskets from the house of Mr. Sew all, followed by several vollies from the British. The fire of our men from Mr. Sewall's house killed two British soldiers, wounded several, and killed the horse of major-general Ross. The conse- quence was, this house was immediately set on fire, and much valuable furniture consumed with it. And I was informed by some of the British officers, that it was a most fortunate thing that major-general Ross was not killed, for in that event, it would have been impossible to have restrained the soldiery, who idolized him, from commiting the most horrid outrages both on our city and its inhabitants. It was not many minutes after the exhibition of this scene, before we were presented with the spectacle so much dreaded—a full view of the advance of the British army in the capital square ! About this time, the navy- yard was committed to flames by commodore Tingey, in pursuance of orders from Secretary Jones; and very soon afterwards, the British set fire to the capital, the president's house, and the war office. The treasury office shared a similar fate the next morning. The con- flagration of these noble and splendid buildings spread a glare over the night that was truly awful. But the conflagration of our large new frigate, nearly ready to launch, and the new sloop of war, equipped ! with all the adjacent magazines filled with naval stores, exhibited an appearance still incomparably more terrific. CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 635 In common with other men, I have drank of the bit- ter cup of affliction; but it was reserved for that dole- ', ful night to teach me that private misfortune weighs - but as the dust of the balance against the far heavier ■ load of public calamity. To behold so great a calamity • as this—the capital of our country seized upon by a } small army, and all its grand public buildings and ships { wrapped in flames, what wonder that it should have \ filled all hearts with consternation, and even frightened ; some into convulsions. Had such a number of troops as military men might have deemed sufficient, been timely provided for the defence of the metropolis; and had those troops, in all points well prepared, gone forth and met the en- emy in a gallant conflict—the feelings of the nation, even under discomfiture, would not have been so grievously wounded, " for the victory is of God." But so shamefully was the public interest and honour sported with on this occasion, that nothing but the overthrow of the enemy at Niagara, Chippewa, Erie3 Sandusky, and Orleans, together with the brilliant achievements of our infant navy, could ever again ele- vate the countenance of an American citizen, or ena- ble him to support the spirit and dignity of a man. For when the British, four thousand strong, made their ap- pearance on the hills of Bladensburgh, dressed in their crimson uniforms, and began to press on to the charge, our militia men, about six thousand, generally gave way. And without wonder, for nothing had been done to prepare them for such a conflict. Raw troops, suddenly brought together, and taken, as it were, by surprise, were, as is very natural, seized with consternation. Some of the officers bewildered, seemed at a loss who should command—the men whom to obey—some were destitute of arms—others of am- munition—and many, by long marching and counter- marching, without rest or refreshment, were so broken down that they were not able to sustain such a shock. But while I lament the causes which led to the dis- comfiture of the militia in general, I feel it my duty to recognize those smaller, and therefore still more glo 636 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. rious exceptions, the district militia, or at least those who were on the field of battle. So far from their running or retreating in disorder, they generally exhi- bited every mark of heroism, particularly the volunteer companies, who did not withdraw until ordered the second time to retreat. I have thought it a duty I owe my countrymen, thus to dwell on this disastrous affair, as furnishing an in- structive lesson, at any rate, to all future secretaries of war. I must confess, however, that I find much com- fort in the belief, that no disaster of this sort is to be apprehended, while the office continues to be filled by the honourable William H. Crawford, whose talents and virtues are so highly and deservedly appreciated. How an undisciplined militia, under such distressing circumstances as above related, will behave on any fu- ture occasion, may be awfully inferred from their be- haviour on the past. Soon as the enemy began to throw his rockets, many of the raw militia men, at sight of these strange shooting stars, as they were ascending, roared out, " See! see! there they go! there they go!" But when the rockets were seen descending in a direc- tion towards themselves, they loudly bawled out again, u No! here they come ! here they come /" and dropping their guns, fled like frightened sheep in every direction, except, indeed, towards the enemy. A gentleman, a short distance beyond Bladensburg. hearing the report of the cannon, immediately rode to- wards the field of battle; but before he had gone far, he met several companies of the militia in full flight. "What," says he, " soldiers, you are not running?" " Oh, no!" exclaimed some of them, "we have done our duty—our ammunition is spent. We gave it to them; boys, didn't we ?" " Yes," returned his com- rades, " we peppered the rascals—we strewed the d—d red coats—and if the others will only do their duty, not one of them will ever get back to their vessels." The gentleman suspecting their poltroonism, and obtaining by stratagem a peep into their cartridge boxes, found they were full, except the single cartridge with which their guns were loaded!! CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 037 Another anecdote, and I have done. A militia officer making his retreat, attempted by way of a short cut to cross a deep oozy marsh, which presently stopped both himself and his horse. In endeavouring to extricate himself, he received a small scratch, which made him bawl out, " I am wounded! I am mortally wounded!" Some of the soldiers, supposing from his cries that the British were close at their heels, only ran the faster; however, a few, wiping their eyes, and not beholding the dazzling red coats, went to his relief. On examin- ing the back part of his thigh, where he said he had received his mortal wound, they found it to be nothing more than a prick of his own spur!! With such disorderly, panic-struck creatures, who but must commend general Winder for ordering a re* treat, not indeed to save these fugitives, for they took care to save themselves, but to save the flower of our gallant yeomanry, who were eager for a conflict, where- in, at such odds against them, they must certainly have perished—for it was but too plain that our sacred capital was doomed to fall. Never shall I forget my tortured feelings, when I beheld that noble edifice wrapped in flames, which, bursting through the windows, and mounting far above its summits, with a noise like thunder, filled all the sad- dened night with a dismal gloom. To heighten our alarms and those of Mrs. Orr, we were suddenly startled by a most tremendous rapping at the door. Soon as the door was opened, five or six British soldiers presented themselves, asking very po- litely for something to eat. Instantly a cold ham, with loaf bread and butter, and wine, were set before them, which they partook of, conducting themselves with the utmost e;ood behaviour. Presently I beheld a light in every room in my house, which, with the reflection from the capital then in flames, led me to fear it was on fire. Not having remo- ved any part of my property, and anxious to save at least my medical library, I communicated my fears to the soldiers who were at supper, and solicited their aid. The serjeant observed he could not think it possible 4 !v 638 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. my house was on fire; but at any rate, if I thought so, he and his men were ready to go with me, and give all the aid in their power. In a few minutes, however, I found out my mistake, by the sudden extinction of the lights, and also by the arrival of my servant, who in- formed me that my house had been plundered by the British soldiers. While I was standing at the door, the Rev. Mr. M'Cormick came up, and told me if I would accompany him, he would introduce me to major- general Ross and admiral Cockbjirn, with whom he had been conversing, and found them to be " perfect gentlemen." Hoping from this circumstance to derive security to my house and what property remained, I readily accompanied him, and was introduced, as he thought, to general Ross ; but it was unwittingly to the admiral, who notified the mistake of the reverend gen- tleman, by saying in his quick and piercing tone, " my name is Cockburn, sir." I told him I had understood that private property was to be held sacred, and that I had placed implicit confidence in the report. He an- swered that " it would be so deemed." I replied, that " some of my furniture, apparel and plate, had been plundered." " With whom did you confide your property, sir?" I answered, "With my servants." " Well, sir, let me tell you it was very ill confidence to repose your property in the care of servants." In the mean time, general Ross came up, to whom I was also introduced. He had just come in time to in- fer from what admiral Cockburn had said, that my house had been robbed. In a tone that will for ever endear him to me as a " perfect gentleman" indeed, ■, he observed he was very sorry to hear that my house had been disturbed, and begged that I would tell him which it was, and he would order a sentinel to g lard it. We were then standing before my door, the south ; end of Carroll's row, facing the capital. " This is my house, sir," said I. With an amiable embarrassment he replied, " Why, sir, this is the house we had pitched on for our head- quarters." CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 639 I told him, " I was. glad of it, and regretted that he had not taken it earlier, as my property would then have been protected." He observed, " he could never think of trespassing on the repose of a private family, and would order his baggage out of my house immediately." I earnestly begged he would still consider it as his head quarters. " Well, sir," said he, " since you are so good as to insist on my staying at your house, I consent; but I will endeavour to give you as little trouble as possible. Any apartment under your roof will suffice me." I asked him to accompany me, and I would show him a room. He assented, and I conducted him to my own bed-chamber, which was the best furnished in my house, with an uncommonly large mattress on the bed. He refused for some time to accept of it, and insisted I should go and bring Mrs. Ewell home; observing, that I might depend on it my family should be just as safe as they were the evening before, when the American army was here; for, continued he, " I am myself a married man—have several sweet children—and vene- rate the sanctities of the conjugal and domestic rela- tions." I feel no fear of offending my virtuous countrymen, by exhibiting even in an enemy such strokes of refine- ment and generosity as these. Thank God, such achiev- ments are too congenial with their own spirit and man- ners, not to be read with pleasure. The commander in chief of a victorious army, carry- ing himself with such consummate modesty and polite- ness to those whom the fortune of war had placed in his power, is a spectacle too honourable to human nature, and too conducive to the general good, to give offence. In all wars, there are brutes on both sides, whose savage examples would turn men into demons, and war into a horrid struggle for mutual slaughter and exter- mination. All are concerned to oppose examples so detestable. Then let all unfurl the counter-examples of those heroic spirits, who mourn over the calamities which they are obliged to inflict, and treat the van- 646 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. quished as brothers. The lovely sight will attract the eyes of all, and while they admire they may imitate. With this fond hope, I shall go on occasionally to entertain my readers with such anecdotes of the Bri- tish officers, as may contribute, now that the war is at an end, to rekindle the pleasant flame of former friendship, and lead to the performance of those fra- ternal acts which will gratify the common Parent of us all. Having thus made a virtue of necessity, and from true policy, as well as politeness, left my house and furniture in possession of the British general and ad- miral, I went down to my family at Mrs. Orr's. The next morning, about the hour of breakfast, I re- turned, and as I approached my house, I saw the sol- i dier who was holding the horse of general Ross, sud- denly fall down in a fit. I hastened to the poor fellow, and opened a vein, which gave him immediate relief. While I was attending to him, a British serjeant came up at the head of a file of soldiers, one of whom de- sired me, rather roughly, to give him some water. Without suspecting offence, 1 called to ray servant, and ordered him to bring out a pitcher of water. What meaning the Englishman could have attach- ed to the word pitcher, I know not; but kindling into a violent passion, he exclaimed, " You d—d rebel, do you think I am a beast to drink out of a pitcher?" At this moment general Ross, who had overheard the insolent language of his soldier, stepped up. The man, greatly abashed, instantly turned his face, and seemed as if he would have shrunk among his com- rades ; but the general, with every mark of displea- sure in his countenance, jerking him by the collar, exclaimed, " Villain, is this the way you speak to a gentleman!—and in the moment, too, that he is do- ing a kindness to a sick fellow soldier of your own? Serjeant, what sort of a man is this?" The serjeant, with considerable trepidation, replied, " Why, sir, he is a pretty good sort of a man, I be- lieve, sir!" " A pretty good sort of a man, sir!" replied the CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 641 general, " a pretty good sort of a man! to speak to a gentleman in this style ? Very well, sir, this conduct shall not pass unnoticed." He then turned to me, and after thanking me for my " goodness," as he called it, to his fainting soldier, ob- served, that in all armies there were some scoundrels to be found, and that he was sorry to say there were too many of that description in his army. Sometime after this, Mrs. Ewell and my daughters came to Mrs. M'Cardell's, next door to my house. As soon as captain Palmer, who had been in her company at Mrs. Orr's, saw her coming, he moved on with gene- ral Ross to meet her, and very politely introduced her to him. The general shook her hand with every mark of undissembled friendship ; expressed his deep regret to learn that she had been so seriously frightened; and lamented sincerely the necessity that had given cause to these tragedies—namely, the burning of the British capital in Canada. Had the capital of Canada been burnt with the approbation of our government, there might have been some apology for the shameful destruc- tion of our noble buildings ; but, I am happy in the be- lief, that though this was the impression of general Ross, it was not an act of the government. Mrs. Ewell, sensible of such unexpected attentions, made every acknowledgment that her confusion would permit, and endeavoured to relax her melancholy into a smile; but it was evidently an act of constraint. Grief was too deeply seated, to be thus easily banished from her cheeks, which still wore the marks of tears and of fright; and which evidently excited the tender- est sympathies of general Ross, as well as of the other officers. Mrs. Ewell was but a short time at Mrs. M'Cardell's, before admiral Cockburn paid his respects to her, and in his apparently rough way, asked, " Pray, madam, what could have alarmed you so? Did you take us for savages?" Her confusion preventing her from making a reply, he added, " Ay, madam, I can easily account for your terror. I see, from the files in your house, that you are fond of reading those papers which delight to make devils of us." It is but justice. 642 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. to admiral Cockburn to declare, that he frequently came to Mrs. M'Cordell's, making inquiries about the state of Mrs. Ewell's spirits, and endeavouring to console her. On my observing to general Ross, that it was a great {>ity the elegant library had been burnt with the capital, le replied with much concern, " I lament most sincerely I was not apprized of the circumstance, for had I known it in time, the books would most certainly have been saved." " Neither do I suppose, general," said I, " you would have burnt the president's house, had Mrs. Ma- dison remained at home ?" " No, sir," replied he, " I make war neither against Letters nor Ladies ; and I have heard so much in praise of Mrs. Madison, that I would rather protect, than burn a house which sheltered such an excellent lady. The saying, that " brave men are always generous," was signally illustrated in the pleasure that general Ross manifested in praising commodore Barney for his behaviour in the battle at Bladensburg. " A brave of- ficer, sir," said he. " He had only a handful of men with him, and yet he gave us a very severe shock. I am sorry he* was wounded; however, I immediately gave him a parole, and hope he will do well. Had half your army," continued he, "been composed of such men as the commodore commanded, with the advantage you had in choosing your position, we should never have got to your city." What evidenced more the magnanimity of this offi- cer, he never uttered an expression in my presence against the president or any of the officers of the govern- ment ; but often expressed the deepest regret that war had taken place between two nations so nearly allied both in consanguinity and interest. I can moreover truly say, I never saw the sunbeam of one cheerful smile on general Ross all the time that he was in Wash- ington. His countenance seemed constantly shrouded in the close shades of a thoughtful mind. The favourable opinion which the reader has formed ujf general Ross, will not be lessened by the following CAPTURE OP WASHINGTON. 648 facts. The morning after the conflagration, a silly man from Ohio, mounted on an elegant horse, came to the British camp. What was his object is to this day a secret. But at any rate, to guard against the worst, the British officers took him up, and would no doubt have been glad to have gotten his horse. For my own part, I was of opinion at first that he was a traitor, and therefore took particular notice of him. Presently an affair happened which served to persuade me that my opinion had been erroneous. Considering it doubtful whether the officers would let him go, he came to the desperate resolution to mount his horse and make his escape, placing his safety on the speed of the animal. He had scarcely started before major Hamilton, an aid of general Ross, with two or three serjeants, mounted their best horses, and went in full pursuit. The hue and cry after him spread like lightning, and few races ever attracted more spectators, or made more noise in so short a time. They had not, however, run more than a mile towards the eastern branch, before the horse of the Ohio man fell, and by some means or other broke the legs of his rider. The regret which general Ross 'expressed at the fate of the poor man, indicated a most feeling heart; and he assured me that it was not his intention to have de- tained the man or his horse longer than the evening. He then ordered the animal to be put into my stable, with a request that I would have him restored to the owner. The British soldier who was ordered to take the horse to my stable, muttered exceedingly that so elegant a horse should be given up, and as soon as the gene- ral had set out with the army, the same fellow came back with a lie in his mouth, saying, he was ordered by the general to take the horse away. I was at a loss how to act; however, not finding myself out of danger, I delivered him up. But, behold! the next morning Daniel Carrol, Esq. of Dudington rode to my house, and congratulated me that my horse was safe. I told him yes, through the goodness of the command- 644 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. ing officer, my horse was given up to me immediately on making application, and that he then was in my stable. " Why," said he, with some surprise, " I was in- structed by Mr. Sewall to inform you, that general Ross had left your horse in the care of captain Gantt." This amiable officer, it seems, seeing the horse next morning in camp, and knowing the history of him, could not rest until he had placed him in the hands of captain Gantt, on the road, with a request that he would deliver him to me, for that I knew how he was to be disposed of. All generous Americans, will doubtless pronounce I major-general Ross a magnanimous enemy. Surely the instances already cited, prove his claim to that high character; and surely he deserves it, who, when told 1 that our barracks, which according to the usages of j war he had condemned, could not be burnt without in- juring private property, immediately countermanded his own order, and thus saved to us that noble range of buildings. As nothing is more pleasing than to meet with in- stances of generosity in an enemy, I cannot forbear re- cording some traits of the magnanimous sort in the character of admiral Cockburn. At this I know some of my readers will startle. " AVhat! magnanimous traits in admiral Cockburn! Impossible ! To such I beg leave only to say, I am about to state facts, which came under my own notice, and as they are honourable to that human nature of which we all partake, I trust they will afford pleasure to every reader who has a soul to enjoy a virtuous action, though in an enemy. The terror struck into the good people of our city, by the capture and conflagration as aforesaid, rolled on in such conglomerating floods to Alexandria, that by the time it reached that place, it had acquired a swell of mountainous horrors, that appear to have entirely prostrated the spirits of the Alexandrians. Men, women and children in that defenceless place, saw nothing, in their frightened fancies, but the sudden and total destruction of their rising city, by the British ar CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 645 my then at Washington, and the British squadron, under captain Gordon, coming up the river. In this alarming situation, they very wisely deter- mined to throw themselves on the generosity of the enemy, and supplicate security for their town, on the humble conditions of capitulation. As men in time of their troubles seem naturally to look for a blessing through the ministration of the godly, the Alexandrians selected four of their citizens distinguished for piety and morals, as Drs. Muir and Dick, and Messrs. Jonathan Swift and Wm. Swaun. They arrived du- ring the dreadful tornado which we experienced on that memorable day ; and as I happened to be sitting in my dining-room with admiral Cockburn, when these delegates presented themselves, I had a fair oppor- tunity to hear every word that passed on this occasion. Soon as they communicated to the admiral the object of their mission, he replied, with the brevity that cha- racterized him, " Gentlemen, I have nothing to say, until you first tell me whether captain Gordon is in sight of Alexandria or not." The reply was, that captain Gordon was not in sight of Alexandria. " Well then, gentlemen," continued be, " / am ready to negotiate with you. And now, all I have to say is, that we want provisions, and must have them. But let me tell you, that for every article we take, you shall be allowed a fair price." Upon this, they very soon retired. Scarcely had those gentlemen left admiral Cockburn, before one of his officers entered the room, and told him, that the bank could not be burnt without injuring private property. " Well then," said he, sternly, " pull it down." Though I felt somewhat of awe in the presence of this son of Neptune, yet I could not here refrain from interposing for the safety of the bauk. " Admiral Cockburn," said I, " you do not wish to injure private property." " No," said be, " I do not. But this is public" property." 646 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON, " No, sir," I continued, " the United States have no bank here now—this is altogether private property." " Are you certain of that, said he." " Yes, sir," I replied, " 1 pledge my honour, it is private property." " Well then," said he, to the officer, " let it alone." There was another case in which I had the satisfac- tion to save the property of a valuable citizen. As I was standing on the pavement near my door, which, as I said, the general and admiral had used as head quarters, a British officer observed, in my presence. " Well, we shall be done with burning when the rope- walks are burnt, and that handsome building yonder," pointing at the house of my pious and worthy neigh- bour, Elias B. Caldwell, Esq. " Why certainly you are not going to burn that bouse, captain," said I. "Yes, sir," replied he, " we shall." "It is not public property," I said. " No mat- ter for that, there is public property at the house," al- luding to some cartridges and cartridge-boxes, which bad been left there; " and, besides," continued he, " it belongs to a man who has been very active against us." " It is true," replied 1, "Mr. Caldwell is captain of a volunteer company, and a brave man. But brave men do not bear malice against each other for doing their duty ; on the contrary, respect them the more for it, as general Ross, yesterday, did commodore Barney. And therefore, I hope, that as this house is private property, it will not be destroyed." He paused for a moment—then went to general Ross, who, I suppose, put a stop to it, for the house was not burnt. I did also what 1 could to save the rope-walks of the Rev. Mr. Chalmers, Mr. Ringgold, and Mr. Heath, but it was in vain; for they observed that they were determined to spare nothing that made in favour of'our navy. I will relate another anecdote of the admiral, and let the reader judge for himself. On the 25U\, in the afternoon, just as the general and admiral who were standing on the pavement at my door, were notified by their servant that dinner was ready, a dirty looking woman, stained with blood, came running CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 647 up, and screaming out as she came, " O, I am killed, I am killed; a British sailor has killed me." Instantly admiral Cockburn, with every mark of in- dignation in his countenance, gave orders for the sailors to be mustered on parade, and that the man whom she designated as the perpetrator of the act, should be shot at the Capital without one moment's delay. The general and admiral, with their suites, then went up to dinner, leaving Dr. Dobby and myself to examine the wounds of the woman, whom we had conveyed to the hospital. On finding this poor wretch, in her drunk- en delirium, sometimes cursing a British sailor, and sometimes an American soldier, as her murderer, was in no condition to designate who had inflicted the wounds, which, after all her noise, were quite fleshy and slight, I requested Dr. Dobby to communicate her situation to the admiral, to prevent an innocent person from suffering death on her account. Presently the doctor returned with the compliments of general Ross and admiral Cockburn, who wished to see me. I went up and found they had dined, but the table covered with wine. General Ross politely bowing and waving his hand to a chair that stood by him, invited me to sit down and take a glass of wine with them. Admiral Cockburn, then addressing me, said, " we were determined sir, to have the British sailor shot, who stabbed that poor woman ; but it gives us pleasure to learn, that it is your opinion her wounds are not mortal. As she has however been wounded, and more than probable by one of our men, we think it but just she should be cured at our expense. That part of the business we shall be obliged to confide to you, and for your trouble we beg you to accept of this trifle." Then he reached out to me a parcel of gold, six dubloons. After thanking him for such generosity, I told him he must excuse me from taking so large a fee; " the wounds," said I, " admiral Cockburn, are altogether flesh wounds, of which she will soon recover; and my attentions to her, even though I was influenced solely by pecuniary considerations, cannot deserve so large a reward. 648 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. At that word, his face reddened, and he exclaimed, " large, my good sir, we are only mortified to think it is so small; but it is, I assure you, all the specie we have with us. If you will accept a bill upon our go- vernment, we will make it better worth your services." I told him I could never accept a bill, for that the fee he now tendered was much too ample. He how- ever pressed it on me with an earnestness which I could no longer resist. Nothing to be sure was ever more providential, than the receipt of this money. 1 do not mean for the wounded woman, for she, a common strumpet, being slightly hurt, soon got well without much aid of the admiral's dubloons ; but 1 allude to worthier subjects. I allude to the sick and wounded of the American and British soldiers, who, but for this supply, must some of them at least have inevitably perished. For, to be candid, all my funds were exhausted previous to the conflagration, in affording refreshments to my friends and wearied countrymen, who needed such hospitali- ties, and who had nobly volunteered their services in defence of the metropolis. There was for example, John Stockton, of the rifle corps from Baltimore commanded by the gallant major Pinkney, who lay very desperately wounded two days on the field of battle. By mere accident hearing of his -"•"situation,. I pressed a cider cart from the country, and had him brought in—extracted the ball—dressed his wounds, which were assuming a gangrenous state, and plentifully supplied him for several weeks with the best nourishment from my table. Thus was this worthy soldier snatched from the yawning grave. There were also forty-seven of the British soldiers, ; who were most miserably mangled by the terrible ex- ; plosion at Greenleaf's Point, the greater part of whom would certainly have perished, as the government made no provision for them until after the third day, had it not been for the admiral's gold, which by immediate transmutation into sugar, coffee, tea, milk, rice, arrow- root, bread, meats, vegetables, and fruits, were early ., applied to sustain their exhausted frames. CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 649 It may gratify the generous reader, on more accounts than one, to hear the tragical history of that affair. About two o'clock, on the 25th, a British captain with / a company of soldiers, marched down on Greenleaf's / Point, to destroy the powder magazine. On reaching / the spot, they found the magazine empty, the powder j the day before having been taken out and thrown into * '| a dry well. The British being strangers to this fact, * ■threw a lighted match into the well. A most tremen- J dous explosion ensued, whereby the officers and about 1 thirty of the men were killed, and the rest most shock- ingly mangled. Some of these unfortunate victims of gunpowder were seen flying in the air to great dis- tances, and others were totally buried alive under tons of earth thrown upon them. The survivers were care I, fully brought up on the capital hill, and in the most I distressed situation were lodged in Carroll's buildings f . adjoining my house. I never saw more endearing marks of sympathy than were here exhibited on the countenance of general Ross. ? He observed, looking at me with an eye of searching j anxiety, " I am much distressed at leaving these poor I fellows belaud me. I do not know v/ho is to mitigate J their sufferings." I understood his meaning, and instantly assured him that he need not make himself uneasy on account of his wounded soldiers. " The Americans, general Ross," said I, " are of the same origin with yourself. We have, I trust, given you many splendid instances of our humanity in the course of this unfortunate war. And you may rely on it, sir, no attentions in my power shall be withheld from them." He gave me a look of gratitude, which I shall never forget, and then turning towards his men where they lay, burnt, bruised and mangled on the floor, he silently gazed at their deplo- rable state, with that Godlike sensibility, near melting into tears, which strongly brought to my recollection these beautiful lines of Darwin. No radiant pearl, which crested fortune wears, No gem, that twinkling hangs from beauties ears, 650 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. Not the bright stars, which night's blue arch adorn, Nor rising sun, that gild the vernal morn, Shine with such lustre as the tear that breaks For other's woe, down virtue's manly cheeks. After a few moments spent in silent sympathy, he observed, I presume mattresses and suitable refresh- ments can be obtained for them in Georgetown. From this, I was induced to believe, he intended to march in that direction for the purpose- of destroying Mr. Foxall's foundery. But in this I was agreeably mis- taken. For as soon as night approached, and large fires were kindled along their lines, the enemy de- camped, and returned to their shipping by the same rout in which they came. As general Ross was about to mount his horse, he took leave of me in a respectful manner; repeated his J regret for the robbery committed on my property by his men, and assured me, that for those injuries, as also for the services I had promised his sick and wounded men he left behind him, I should be rewarded. Very early the next morning, I set myself to the per- formance of what I owed to the sick. All the refresh- ments that the utmost cleanliness of both bed and board could yield ; all the vigour and spirits that nourishing diet could impart, and all the relief that suitable medi- cines could afford, were plentifully supplied to those unfortunate sufferers. And with the assistance of Dr. Win. Baker, of Georgetown, who generously volun- teered his~~services, the fractured limbs and wounds were set and dressed to their exceeding comfort by the evening. After a few days, Dr. Baker and myself were noti- fied by Dr. Worthington, thit he was appointed by the government to take charge of the British prison- ers. I expressed much surprise that an arrangement of this sort had been made with so little regard to my feelings, since I had been all along attending those unfortunate sufferers, and had, through a kind Providence, rendered them those services, without 4t CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 651 which, it is well known, that many of them must in- evitably have perished. I also observed, that after my solemn promise made to general Ross, I should never forgive myself if I abandoned his men. Dr. Worthington replied, that the a flair might be easily accommodated, for as he was appointed to su- perintend the hospital in Bladensburg, as well as this in Washington, making together a sum of duties more than he could discharge, he would be glad of my as- * sistance. \ In this way the British sick still continued the ob- * jects of my medical attention. And I am most happy to add, so signal were the smiles of Providence, on my exertions on their behalf, that, although the bilious fever and dysentery raged in the hospital and encamp- ments, with a violence that swept off numbers of my own countrymen, yet not one of the British sunk under their affliction, except Dr. Monteith. This extraordinary success is to be ascribed, I shall ever think, as much to moral as to medical cause. Clean-1 liness, fresh air, and pleasant restorative diet, contri-1 buted much, no doubt, to that desirable event; but not \ more, I firmly believe, than did the continued efforts j that were made to keep up the spirits of my patients, \ and to render their minds habitually cheerful. Appre- * hensive that the recollection of being our prisoners, might give that morbid irritability to their minds, which by destroying the spirits, would retard the cure, I stu- diously avoided every thing of that malignant tendency, and as diligently redoubled my efforts to gratify, as far as I was able, their wishes, and to anticipate their wants. Had general Ross but lived, I am confident I should have been liberally remunerated for the articles which were taken from my house, as well as for my medical attentions to his men, and for the supplies over and above the allowance made by my own government, j But should I never receive a cent from the British go- vernment, I am not left without reward. TJje recol- lection of having done unto these afflicted foreigners, as I would they had done unto me, is a source of the live- 652 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. liest satisfaction to me as a man ; besides what I enjoy as an American, on comparing my conduct with that of captain Shortland of Dartmoor prison, general Proctor of the army in Upper Canada, as also colonel Elliot, who, after having pledged himself to protect his wound- ed prisoner, captain Hart, an old • and intimate ac- quaintance of his, and brother-in-law of those distin- guished characters, the honourable H. Clay, and James Brown, suffered him to be inhumanly butchered by the Indian tomahawk. But sorry am I to add, that for my kindness to the British prisoners, I • got no thanks from some of my neighbours. On the contrary, a few of them at least, were so enraged against me, that they branded me as a traitor and a friend to the British ! ! ! And in- deed, I have no doubt, had these unthinking people but possessed a power equal to their passions, they would have acted in this fair city of Washington, the same horrid tragedies, as did the blind mob in Paris, under Robespierre and Marat, and have made me the bloody victim of their diabolical rage and fury. But I am truly happy to state, that these men were not Ame- ricans. No, they were emigrants ; and which is aston- ishing, they were the very countrymen of those wound- ed prisoners, to whom I afforded that aid which man ever owes to the unfortunate. The truth is, these men finding, on tlieir return from flight before the British army, their houses had been plundered of &few articles, fell into such a rage, that they were instantly for blowing up the British prison- ers, and hanging me for having treated them with the tenderness which their condition as sick aud wounded prisoners required. Thank God, these inconsiderate men were among a people who would give them no countenance in such diabolical acts. They were surrounded by charitable Americans, who, with the most tenacious regard to i their own rights, cherished an equal regard to the rights of others, and therefore held in proper detesta- ; tion, those infernal mobs that would swallow up the CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 653 rights of all, and convert society into the greatest of curses. I have much pleasure, in contemplating the contrast exhibited in the spirit and conduct of that estimable and faithful disciple of Christ, the reverend Mr. Brack- enridge, who, although a great sufferer by the British \ in Washington, was among the first to afford comforts . and consolations to the wounded and otherwise afflicted ( prisoners ! He prayed among enemies ! Yes, I rejoice to state, that my virtuous countrymen were not implicated with those unthinking men; so far from menacing me for an act of mercy, which man eter- nally owes to man, they most heartily applauded me for it. And if I could possibly require any greater pleasure than that which I feel, when I think of what I did for those poor sick strangers, I should find it in the commendations bestowed on me, not only by my worthy countrymen who are denominated federalists; but also by the republicans; and those especially, whose esteem I most highly prized, as Charles Carroll, Esq. of Bellevue, John Graham, Esq. general Van Ness, colonel Brent, Dr. Thornton, the Rev. Mr. Chalmers, Mr. M'Kenny, the honourable G. W. Campbell, Gaillard, Cheves, Lowndes, Troup, Cuthbert, Eppes, Jackson, Gholson, Hawes, Condict, M'Kim, Ring- gold, Desha, Chappell, &c. &c. When these worthy patriots understood that I had visited those afflicted captives, and rendered them aid before the hand of government had been extended to their relief, they expressed tlieir high approbation of my conduct, and several of them came to my house and thanked me for an act so honourable to the character of the American people, and above all so pleasing to God, and therefore so sure to draw after it his blessing. And I am happy to add, that his blessing in one good- ly shape at least, was soon visited upon us for this kindness to the British prisoners, and through the medium of their gratitude. Finding that instead of having been treated as they expected, with great harshness for burning our capital, they had been treated with the utmost tenderness and 4 M 654 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. hospitality, they were struck with admiration of our goodness to them. Not only their language but their looks afforded us daily the most pleasing assurances of their gratitude. And as soon as their health would allow, they appeared as if never so happy as when they were doing something to requite us as far as they were able. To their great credit I can say, with truth, that in some laudable degree this amiable spirit appeared to belong to most of them. But in some it was more especially and gloriously predominant. There for ex- ample were sergeant Hutchinson of the royal sappers and miners, and Alexander Gunn of the Scotch fusi- liers, Those two young men, though low in rank, should stand for ever high on the list of that virtuous fame which belongs to sensible and grateful disposi- tions. They acted as though they could never give proof enough of their love for the Americans. And it is a sacred truth, that when the American soldiers shrunk, as was sometimes the case, from their sick and dying comrades, through fear of the infection, these English soldiers volunteered their services !—sat up with the sick—washed the bodies of the dead—and performed all the last sad offices of humanity, with as much tenderness as though the deceased had been their own relations and friends. And it is but justice to these Englishmen to declare, that to their favorable reports of our kindness to them on this occasion, were to be ascribed many noble instances of British polite- ness to our worthy citizens who fell into their hands. That very amiable gentleman and distinguished phy- sician, Dr. Beans, of Marlborough, was made prisoner by the British as they were retreating to their vessels. The benevolent F, Key, Esq. of Georgetown, learning this, immediately obtained letters from sergeant Hutch- inson and others of the prisoners, and went with a flag on board the British squadron for his release. Soon as general Ross had perused the letter of sergeant Hutchinson, detailing the generous treatment which he and his comrades had received, he issued orders for the immediate liberation of Dr. Beans, although it had CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 655 been previously determined that he should be sent to Bermuda. Thus by common acts of Christian charity to these poor captives, a most valuable life was saved to his family and country. Who does not in this behold another additional proof that the maddest policy on earth is revenge, and that the wisest philosophy under heaven, is that which teaches us " to love our enemies, and do good for evil." And besides its exceeding pleasure and advantage, where is the charm, out of heaven, that so fascinates all hearts as that of God-like generosity to an enemy that is in our power? Take the following, which was communicated to me by commodore Barney himself. As this gallant officer lay on the battle-ground badly \ wounded and helpless, and his men by his own order \ all retreated from him, he beckoned to an English sol- i dier to come to his assistance. The soldier instantly : stepped up and rendered the required service with as amiable an alacrity as to his own general. " You are a noble fellow," said the commodore, " and I am sorry I have not a purse for you. But here's my gold watch; you are welcome to it." "No, sir," replied the Englishman, "Ican assist a brave man without being paid for it." As I have some how or other got into a string of anecdotes about the British exploits in Washington, I beg leave to mention one or two more. As admiral Cockburn was looking at his men while they were throwing into the streets the types of the National In- telligencer, an American gentleman observed to him, "if general Washington had been alive, you would not have gotten into this city so easily." " No, sir," replied the admiral, " if general Washington had been president, we should never have thought of coming here." When this was told me, I added, " No, sir, nor if even the chairman of the military committee had been secretary of war, would they have dared it. The chair- man I alluded to, was the patriotic G. M. Troup, of Georgia, who was always for carrying on the war with the greatest energy, and who would, at least, have had a sufficient force, with an experienced commander, to 656 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. defend the metropolis of the United States against an invading army of four thousand men !! As I have mentioned the name of Troup, I cannot forbear relating the following anecdote of this virtu- ous patriot. Besides the honour it does him, it is calculated to exalt the charm of that stern Spartan virtue, which alone can give immortality to our. re- public. The colonel's younger brother, Dr. James Troup, studied physic with me in Savannah; and while his uncommon talents excited my admiration, his gentle and affectionate spirit conciliated my esteem in the highest degree. At my request, the Hon. Paul Ha- milton, former secretary of the navy, appointed him hospital surgeon for the state of Georgia during the war. ° Col. Troup, on learning from me that I had obtained this commission for his brother, replied with a look of strong disapprobation, " No, doctor, it will not do; 1 thank you for your good wishes to my brother; but, sir, he must not accept the commission you have been so good as to procure for him. I know," continued he, "it is an appointment both of honour and profit, but still I can never consent to his taking it. It may be thought that I procured it for him. And I cannot bear the idea of using any influence that I may ever gam under government/to raise my relations into office." After this long, though I hope not uninteresting di- gression, we will return to the bilious fever. , I have stated that Dr. Monteith was the only victim of this disease among the British prisoners in the hos- pital here. Would God there had perished but one in the American hospitals and encampments. But, alas ! my heart bleeds when I think how manv thousands perished during this war. I do not mean the common hireling soldiery, who, destitute of all vir tuous habits, are perhaps the fit victims of war No • but I speak of the thousands of our virtuous yeomanrv who, diseased or wounded in tlieir countrv's service have been cruelly sacrificed at the shrine of mtblic neg- lect. x * CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 657 Think now of the following, which is but a common case. A regiment of brave patriots, notwithstanding the tears of wives, mothers and sisters, set out full of spirits, and eager to meet the enemy of their country. Many of them who had never, perhaps, walked ten miles in a day, are hurried on by an imprudent officer twenty or thirty miles, possibly, on the first day, with a heavy musket and knapsack on their shoulders ! In the evening borne down with unusual fatigue, and their linen stiff with acrid perspiration, they halt for the night. Both in mind and body they require some- thing to exhilarate and to strengthen. But, behold! in lieu of those refreshments which they had been ac- customed to at home, only a little raw meat is afforded for their bill of fare, and the cold earth, frequently without a tent, for their bed. What wonder that one fourth or fifth of this regiment should the very next morning be laid up ! merely for lack of those provisions which certainly it was the duty of some officer or other under the government to have supplied. I have it from a gentleman who was on the spot, that of a fine regiment of Virginia volunteers encamping pre- cisely under these circumstances, near Snowden's iron works, upwards of two hundred were the next day on the sick list, several of whom died. And there, for another example, were the five thou- sand, w ho, according to the proverb of " locking the stable door after the steed is stolen," were rapidly marched to Washington—after the city was taken- after the capital, the president's house, war and trea- sury offices were all burnt—after the navy yard and frigates were all demolished—and after the bridges were all blown up—I say, of those five thousand men, what awful numbers perished miserably, merely for lack of proper nourishment, medical attentions, and suitable accommodations. True it is, by order of the then acting secretary of war a hospital was established here for the accommoda- tion of the sick militia. But let not the reader lie under a mistake about this hospital. The word hospital sig- nifies not only a receptacle for the sick, but a place for 658 CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. every thing clean and sweet, and every thing nourish- ing and healing, with skilful physicians and attentive nurses. But, alas ! this hospital had no such meaning;— I the truth of which many members of congress and citi- zens can attest. The hospital was contiguous to the apartments oc- cupied by the British sick whom I attended, and being frequently entreated by my countrymen who were not under my care to prescribe for them, I had a fair op- portunity to witness their wretched situation. And I will declare before my God, I have seen twenty or thirty sick militia-men brought in of a day to this hospital, where, instead of the pleasant and cordial refreshments which their languid situation required, their rations of raw beef were thrown on a table, there lying for hours together for the poor sick soldiers to divide and dress for themselves as they could! And what was still more deplorable in this militia-murdering hospital, a young man of eighteen years of age, who had been studying medicine only a few months, and hardly knew how to put up the simplest prescription, much less to prescribe in the absence of the surgeon, was appointed surgeon's mate! With such mismanagement, what wonder that so many of our valuable citizens sunk under their complaints ? And where's the wonder that they should have exclaim- ed, with tears in their eyes—" Had we but died in the field of battle, fighting for liberty and eur country, we should have gloried in such a death; but to be brought here to die like sheep, 'tis insupportable?" GLOSSARY, OR EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS. Abdomen, the belly. Abortion, miscarriage. Abscess^twmpr containing mat- ter. Absorbents, medicines to correct a*cidity, and absorb or dry up superfluous moisture. Abstemious, low living. Accelerate, to quicken. Acescent, having a tendency to acidity. Acidulated, impregnated with acids. Acme, full height. Acrid, sharp and corrosive. Acute, this term is applied to a disease which is violent, and tends to a speedy termination. Adult, of full age, beyond pu- berty. Affinity, likeness, resemblance. Affusion, pouring one thing on another. After-birth, or placenta cake, is the substance by .which the child is connected with the mother in the womb. After-pains, see grinding pains. Ague-cake, enlargement of the spleen. Alcohol, rectified spirits of wine. Aliment, nourishment. Alimentary canal, or tube, the stomach and intestines. Alkali, any substance which,min- gled with acid, produces fer- mentation. Alternate, branches or leaves,or flowers, springing out regu- larly one above another. Alternate, changed by turns. Analogous, one like another. Annual, living only one year. Anodyne, composing medicines, and such as mitigate pains. Antidote, a medicine to destroy poisons. Antifogmatics, drams. Antipathy, an aversion to par- ticular things. Antiphlogistic, counteracting in- flammation. Antiscorbutic, good against the scurvy. Antiseptics, medicines to correct putridity or rottenness. Antispasmodic, whatever tends to prevent or remove spasm. Antispasmodics, medicines for curing spasms, as laudanum and aether. Anus, the fundament. Aperient, opening. Apthous, resembling the thrush. Areola, the circle which sur- rounds the nipple on the breast. Aromatic, spicy, pungent. Artery, a conic canal, conveying the blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Astringents, medicines to cor- rect looseness and debility. 660 GLOSSARY. Atmosphere, surroundmg air. Attenuants, medicines for redu- cing the body. B Biennial, continuing alive two years. Bile, or gall, a fluid secreted by the liver into the gall-bladder, and thence discharged into the intestines, for the purpose of promoting digestion. Bougee, a taper body, introduced • into a passage or sinus, to keep it open, or to enlarge it. Bolus, a form of medicine in a mass, larger than pills. Bulbous,root&s garlic and onion; it is either Solid as in the tulip and turnip, Scaly as in the lily, Coated as in the onion. C Calculous, stony or gravelly. Callous, hard or firm. Cantharides, the Spanish flies, used in blisters. Capillary, fine, hair-like. Capsule, a dry hollow vessel con- taining the seed or fruit. Carious, rotten, applied princi- pally to the bones and teeth. Carminatives, medicines for dis- pelling wind. Cataplasm, a poultice or soft plaster. Catarrh, a discharge from the head or throat. Cathartic, a purge. Catheter, a pipe to draw off urine. Catkin, a composition of flowers and chaff on a long, slender, thread-shaped receptacle; the figure of the whole resem- bling a cat's tail. Caustics, burning applications. Cautery, the act of burning with a hot iron or caustic. Cutaneous, of or belonging to the skin. Characteristic, a mark, sign, to- ken. Charcoal, a coal made by burn- ing wood under turf. Chronic, lingering disease, in op- position to acute. Chyle, a milky fluid, separated from the aliment in the intes- tines, mixing with, and form- ing the blood. Circulation, the motion of the blood, which is propelled by the heart through the arteries, and returned by the veins. Clammy sweats, cold, glutinous. Cleansings, see lochval discharge. Coagulum, a curd. Comatose, inclined to sleep. Compress, several folds of linen rags, a bandage. Concave, hollowed out like a bowl, as the petals of the cher- ry or the hawthorn ; and the broad-leaved plantain. Cone, or strobile, a species of seed-vessel formed by a cat- kin with hardened scales; con- taining a seed within the base of each scale ; as in the pine or fir. Confluent, running together. ^Constipation, obstruction, cos- tiveness. Contagion, infectious matter. Contusion,''a bruise. Convalescence, recovery from sickness. Convex, opposed to concave: rising like the surface of a globe. Convulsions, violent motions, fits. Corolla, blossoms, petals, or flower-leaves, is that beautiful part of a flower which first OR EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS. 661 draws the attention as the flower itself. Corroborants, tonics or strength- ening medicines. Corrosive, substances that con- sume or eat away. Cortex, back or covering. Cosmetic, beautifying. Crisis, a certain period in a dis- ease at which there happens a decisive alteration, either for the better or worse. Critical, decisive or important. Crudity, rawness, indigestion. D Debility, weakness. Decoction, a preparation by boil- ing. Decumbent, lying down or de- clining. Deglutition, the act of swallow- ing. Deleterious, poisonous, deadly. Delirium, light-headedness. Demoniacal, baneful, hurtful. Demulcent, softening,sheathing. Dentition, teething. Detergent, cleansing. Dia/ihoretic, promoting perspi- ration. Diarrhea, a looseness. Diathesis, disposition or habit of body. Dietetic, relating to diet, or re- gimen. Diluents, substances to dilute or make thin. Discutient, a medicine that has the power to repel. Dislocation, a joint put out of place. Disposition, tendency. Diuretic, whatever promotes the secretion of urine. Drastics, active or strong purges Dyspeptic, belonging to bad di- gestion- E Eccymosis, a tumour, the effect of blood-letting. Efflorescence, eruption, or the redness round it. Effluvia, exhalation. Egg-shaped, signifies a shape resembling the solid substance of an egg; or in respect to leaves it implies only the form of an egg, divided longwise. Emaciation, wasting of flesh. Empiric, a quack. Enamel, the outside covering of the teeth. Endemic, a disease peculiar to a certain district. Enervate, to weaken. Epidemic, contagious. Equilibrium, equal weight. Eructation, a belch. Eruption, breaking out in pus- tules. Exacerbation,the increase of any disease. Excoriation, the loss of skin. Excretion, discharge of animal fluids or matter. Exhibit, to administer. Expectoration, a discharge from tlie breast. Extremities, arms and legs, F Faces, excrements. Farinaceous, mealy. Febr(/'uge, removing fever. Febrile, feverish. Fetid, ot an offensive smell. Fibrous, composed of small threads or fibres. First passages, stomach and bowels. Flatulent, producing wind. Flooding, an overflow of the men- ses. Fat us, the child in the womb. £ N 6BS GLOSSARY, OR Fomentation, partial bathing, by the application of flannels dip- ped in liquids. Fracture, a broken bone. Friction, the act of rubbing. Fungus, proud flesh. Fumigation, a vapour raised by burning. G Gangrene, a feeble circulation, followed by mortification. Gargle, a wash for the mouth and throat. Germen, or seed-bud, the lower part of a pistil, is destined to contain the embryo seed. Genus, the second subdivision of plants; it comprehends an as- semblage of species under the same class and order. Gland, a secretory organ. Glutinous, gluey, sticky. Grinding, or after-pains, pains that occur after labour. Grog-blossoms, pimples on the face produced by drinking. H Heart-shaped, a term used to express the form of a petal or leaf, which resembles a heart divided lengthwise. Hectic fever, a slow consuming- fever generally attending the absorption of purulent, or other acrid matter into the blood. Hemorrhage, a discharge of blood. Hemorrhoidal, relating to the piles. Hepatic, relating to the liver. Hypochondriacal, melancholy, very dejected, low in spirits. I Ichor, a thin watery humour. Imbecility, debility, weakness. Immersion, plunging under wa- ter. Imposthume, a collection of pu- rulent matter. Inanition, emptiness. Incarnating, healing. Incrassate, to thicken. Indented, the edges of an in- dented leaf are hollowed, or deeply scolloped, the lobes standing asunder, as if part of the leaf had been cut out. The leaf of the oak or the turnip are familiar examples. Indigenous, native to a country. Indigestible, difficult of diges- tion. Induration, hardening. Indisposition, a disorder of health. Inebriety, drunkenness. Infection, contagion. Inflammation, an increased ac- tion in the part. Inflated, distended, as if inflated like a blown up bladder. Infusion, steeping any thing in liquor without boiling, as ten is made. Inhale, to draw in by breath. Inspissate, to thicken, Intestinal, belonging to the in- testines or guts. Intes'i'irs, the internal parts of the body. Irrespirable, unfit to be breathed. Irritability, a disposition to con- tract from a stimulus. JuUps, mixtures of simple and compound mixtures. L Lacteals, vessels conveying chyle Languor, want of strength or spirits, Lateral, growing from the sides of the stems or stalks. Laxatives, relieving costiveness EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS. 663 Levigated, reduced to a fine pow- der. Ligature, a bandage, any thing tied round another. Ligneous, woody. Liniment, a composition of the consistence of oil. Lobed, divided, or lip-shaped. Lotion, a wash. Lochial discharge, or cleansings, a discharge from the womb. M Magnum Dei donum, the great gift of God. Mastication, act of chewing. Maturity, of full years. Meconium, the infant's first or black stools. Membrane, a web of fibres, in- terwoven for covering certain parts. Menses, > ^ monthl Menstruation, 3 J courses. Mephitic, suffocating, noxious. Meum et tuum, mine and thine. Miasmata,-} morbidexhaIations, Miasma, 3 or vapours. Miliary eruption, an eruption of pustules resembling the seeds of millet. Morbid, diseased, corrupt. Morbific, causing disease. Mucilage, a glutinous, slimy substance. Mucus, resembling the matter discharged from the nose, lungs, &c, N Narcotics, medicines producing torpor and sleep. Nausea, an inclination to vomit. Nervous, irritable. Nostrum, a patent, or other me- dicine, the composition of which is kept secret by the proprietor. O Oblong, considerably longer than broad, and narrowed, though rounded at the ends; as the leaves of the daisy. Obtund, to blunt. CRdcmatus, swelled, as in a drop- sical state of skin. Opiates, medicines which pro- mote sleep, as opium. Opthalmia, a disease of the eyes. Ovate, or oval, egg-shaped. Pancreas, the sweet bread. Paralytic, relating to palsy. Paroxysm, a periodical fit or at- tack. Pectoral, medicines adapted to cure diseases of the breast. Pedicle, a short foot-stalk, or partial fruit stalk, being that part of a compound or branch- ed fruit stalk, which is the im- mediate support of a single flower, or floret. Pelvis, the bones at the lower part of the trunk of the body. Perennial, continuing for several years ; at least more than two, and regerminating several years successively. Pestilential, infectious. Petals, the leaves which consti- tute the blossoms or flowers are so called to distinguish them from the other leaves of the plant. Phlegmatic, relaxed and abound- ing with phlegm. Phlogistic, inflammatory. Phthisical, consumptive. Pilch, napkin, clout. 664 GLOSSARY, OR Placenta-cake, see after-birth. Plethoric, of a full habit. Plenitude, fulness of blood. Precarious, doubtful, uncertain Predisposition, susceptibility of disease. Premature, too hasty, too early. Preternatural, unusual, not na- tural. Primary, original. Prolapsus, the falling down or out. Proximate cause, the immediate cause of disease. Ptyalism, a copious flow of spit- tle. Puerperal, of, or belonging to child-bed. Pulmonary, belonging to the lungs. Purulent, matter of good quality. Pus, matter. Pustule, a purple or small swelling. Putrescence, rottenness. Q Quartan, returning every fourth day. * Quickening, the motion of the child felt by the mother in the womb. R Rectum, the straighf gut, in which the fceces are contained. Red gum, an eruption so called. Refrigeration, a chill, coldness Regimen, regulation of food, air, exercise, &c. Remote cause, the inducing cause of disease. Repletion, the act of filling tht body with food. Resolution,a termination without suppuration. Resolvents, dissolving medicines Respiration, the act of breathing. Resuscitation, reviving, bringing to life. Retention, the retaining some natural discharge. Rheumy, an acrid discharge. S Valine, consisting of salt. Saliva, spittle. Sanative, healing. Sanguiferous, carrying blood. Saponaceous, soapy. Saturnine Lotion, lead water. Scorbutic, of, or belonging to scurvy. Scrofulous, of, or belonging to the king's-evil. Secondary, not primary ; a se- condary fever is that which oc- curs after a crisis. Secretion, the separation of fluids from the body. Secundines, the placenta, and membranes. Sedatives, composing medicines. Segments,\he small part of a leaf cup or petal, included between the incision. Semen, the seed. Serous, thin, watery. Serrated, notched like a saw. Sinapism, a poultice made of flour, mustard and vinegar. Slough, the parts that separate from a sore. Solitary, only one in a place ; as but one flower on a fruit stalk; or only one fruit stalk, pro- ceeding from the same part of a plant. Soluble, loose, laxative. Spasm, cramp, convulsion. Specific, an infallible remedy. Spear-shaped, applied to a ieaf, signifies that it is shaped like a spear or lance. Spherical, globular. Spike, a head or ear, as in rye, barley, wheat, &c. EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS. 665 Spine, the back bone. Stamina, the constitution or ha- bit of body. Stimulants, irritative medicines. Stomachics, medicines for the sto- mach. Strangury, a difficulty of ma- king water. Striated, channelled, furrowed. Stupor, a suspension of sensibil- ity. Styptic, a medicine stopping the discharge of blood. Sudorijics, medicines to promote sweating. Suppository, a candle, or any other, substance or composi- tion, introduced into the rec- tum to procure stool. Snvooning, fainting. Symptomatic, a disease not pri- mary ,but arising from another, in contradiction to idiopathic. Syncope, a fainting or swooning. T Technical, belonging to arts. Temperament, a peculiar habit of body. Temperature, state of the air. Tertian, returning every third day. 7 etany, the lock jaw. Tonic, bracing, strengthening. Topical, local, confined to the diseased part. Tumour a swelling. Turgescence, an over fulness. Type, a mark. Typhus, a genus of fever com- prehending those called ner- vous, yellow and putrid. U Ulcer, a sore, generally ill-con- ditioned. Umbel, a composition of flowers, in which a number of slender fruit stalks proceed from the same centre, and rise nearly | form a regular surface at the top. Hemlock, carrot, and low parsnip are examples.— These are said to be umbel- liferous plants. Umbilical cord, the navel string. Urethra, the canal which con- veys the urine. Uterine, belonging to the womb. Uterus, the womb. Uvula, the palate. V Taccmf, vaccinous,belonging to, or matter of the cow-pox. Vagina, the passage to the womb. Valetudinarian, a weak, sickly person. Variolus, small-pox matter. Vascular, belonging to the ves- sels. Vehicle, a liquor to take medi- cines in. Veinous, belonging to the veins. Ventilation, a free admission or motion of air. Venomous,} rr- i . f poisonous. Virulent, ^ r Vermifuge, worm dispelling me- dicines. Vertigo, giddiness. Vesicating, blistering. Villous, shaggy, rough, hairy Virous, poisonous matter. Viscera, the entrails. Viscid, glutinous, tenacious. Vital, the seat of life. W Whites, the discharge from the womb. Whorls, this term is applied ei- ther to branches, leaves, or flowers, when they grow all round their respective stems, resembling in some measure the spokes round the nave of a wheel INDEX. page. Abdomen, or belly, descrip- tion of - - 38 Abortion, observations on 426 Abscess, see Tumours 382 Absorbent mixture, doses 600 ----how prepared - 609 Absorbent and aperient mix- ture, doses of - 600 ---- how prepared - 609 Acid, nitric, diluted - 611 ----vegetable, a remedy in scurvy - - 360 Acidities, see heartburn 337 Ackland, lady Harriet, her great affection for her husband - 114 Admonitory hints to ladies 418 Adolphus, Gustavus, his ex- emplary piety - 242 Advice to masters - 10 ---- to parents 161, 448 After pains - - 435 Agaric, properties of 463 Ague and fever - 247 Air, its influence on the blood 35 — ----on the body 57 — the exact weight of 58 — necessity for its renewal 62 — confined, bad effects of 63 — warm, relaxes the body 72 — damp or moist, checks perspiration - ib — the most wholesome 73 «— impure, how restored 269 Alcibiades, his pride check- ed by Socrates 207 Alder? black, properties of 463 page. Alexandria, delegates from 644 Alkali, caustic volatile, dos- es of Allen, colonel, died for his country Allen, captain, died for his country Alum root, properties of Americans, patriotism of Anderson, Dr. recommends poison oak in paralysis Angelica, properties of Anger, dangerous effects of 162 melancholy instances of 167 —— advantages of repress- ing our rising passions ---- wonderful effects of music in subduing it Anodyne eye water, how prepared Anodyne sudorific drops, doses of — how prepared — draught, how prepared Antidysenteric mixture, do- ses of how prepared 598 227 227 464 226 545 ib ib 172 600 611 612 600 609 Antimonial powders, doses of - ■ how prepared Antiphon, promised to do upon souls what Hippo- crates did on bodies Apoplectic fits Appetites, three kinds of Apple, Peru Arbutus Archer, Dr. celebrates sen- eka in croup 600 607 148 321 77 464 465 555 678 INDEX. page Ardent spirits, properties of 88 —— fatal effects of - 69 Argenes,his motive for kill- ing the priests - 239 Aristides, his goodness 187 Armistead, captain, died for his country - 227 Arms, description of 15. —— fracture of - 404 ---- dislocation of 399 Arria, her invincible love for" her husband - 113 Arrow-root, properties of 465 Arsenic, solution, doses of 598 how prepared - 614 Arteries, use of 18 Asarabacca, properties of 465 Asclepiades, prescribes mu- sic ior madness - 171 Askew, cured of an impost- humation by laughter 141 Asthma, treatment of 336 Astringent washes 615 Astyages, his dream 102 Athenians, the instruction they received from the oracle, in matters of re- ligion - 238 Atmosphere, definition of 58 ------component parts of 60 Attalus,terrified by his con- science - - 157 Augusta, citizens of, noted for hospitality - 583 Avarice, injurious to health 189 fatal instances of 190 the desire of Hippocra- tes to find out an antidote 189 Avens, properties of 466 B Babbit, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Backach-brake 466 Backbone, its use 15 Backus, col. his gallant con- duct at Sackett's Harbour 630 page Bacon, properties of 85 Baker, Dr. William, his be- nevolent conduct 650 Balm, properties of 466 Banks, sir Joseph, his botan- ical excursion - 94 Barberry, a remedy in dys- entery and jaundice 466 Barbour, Mrs. testifies the efficacy of samson snake root as a tonic - 559 Bark, Peruvian, caution in the use of - 250 ---- tincture of - 622 ---- cold infusion of 617 ---- decoction of - ib ---- jacket of - 606 Barney, commodore, his gallant conduct - 632 Barton, Dr. his noble efforts to serve his fellow-citizens 462 ----testifies the efficacy of oak bark in gangrene 535 ---------of poke-weed in rheumatism - 546 ---------of thorn apple in madness and epilepsy 568 ■ ■ —— of tobacco to dislodge worms 574 Balsam capivi, doses of 598 ■ Turlington's how pre- pared - - 624 Bastard ipecacuanha 427 Bath, cold, when proper 8 ----warm, efficacy of 9 Bayberry, properties of 167 Baylis, Dr. recommends la- vender thrift as an anti- septic - - 518 Beans, Dr. his release 654 Beasley, major, died for his country - - 227 Beatrice, lady, her impiety and death - 146 Beaufort, Henry, his dread ofdeath - - 154 Beauty, wonderful effects of 418 ■ how to preserve it 419 INDEX. 679 Beddoes,Dr. celebrates fox- glove in consumption " 499 Bed-room, the most pro- per situation for - 72 Beech drops - - 468 Beef, properties of - 85 Beer, receipts for - 511 ---- properties of - 87 Beggar, anecdote of one 93 Belknap, lieut. died for his country - - - 227 Benne, yields an excellent sallad oil - - 468 Bethroot, properties of ib Bile, nature of, explained . 44. Bilious fever, treatment of 254 ------ prevention - . 260 Bind-weed - - 468 Bird, col. entitled to praise 462 ----celebrates the bastard ipecacuanha as an excel- lent emetic, Sec. - 516 Bishop of Salisbury went mad from grief 146 Bites of mosquitoes 373 ----of venomous animals ib ----of mad dogs - 374 Bitters, how prepared 624 ----dangerous effects of 7 Bittersweet - - 468 Blackberry, or dewberry 469 Bladensburg, situation of 631 Blacksnake root. - 469 Bladder, anatomy of - 45 Blakely, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Blaney, lieut. died for his country - 227 Blazing star - - 469 Bleeding at the nose 311 Blood, circulation of 33 ----composed of two dis- tinct parts - - 37 Blood-letting, how per- formed - ,- 405 Blood root, properties of 46;.< ■ Blood wort, properties of 47c Bloody flux - - 319 Boerhaave, Dr. verifies that .. . . PaSe } religion is conducive to health - . 342 Boils, see tumours - 382 Bolea, captain, his singular revenge - '. 183 Bonaventur, his admiration of a beautiful woman 124 Bones, anatomy of 15 Boneset - 470 Bowman's root - ib Boxwood - - 471 Brackenridge, Rev. Dr. his christian conduct - 653 Bradford, captain? died, for his country - - 227 Bread, most wholesome 86 Breast, swelling of, in in- fant - - 452 Breath, had, how to correct 300 Brent, col. Wm. friend of humanity - - 553 Brookes, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Broome, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Broom rape, Virginia, pro- perties of - 471 Brown, general, the hero of Sackett's Harbour, &c. 630 Brown, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Bruises, treatment of - 395 Buboes ... 358 Buckthorn, properties of 471 Buel, lieut. died for his country ... 227 Burch, captain, cured of an abscess of the liver by oni- ons ... 536 Burdock, properties of 472 Burnet saxifrage - 472 Burns, treatment of 377 Burrows, captain, died for his country - - 227 Bush, lieut. died for his country - - - 227 Butterfly weed - 472 Butternut - - 472 Button snake root - ib 4 o 680 INDEX. page Caldwell, Dr. how he pre- served his son's health 73 —------ his opinion re- specting worms - 45 3| Calico tree, properties of 474 Calimus, properties of. ib Calomel, doses of - 598 Cambyses, his envy to his brother - - 188 Camomile, properties of 477 Camomile, wild, - ib Campbe.il, hon- George W. friend of humanity 653 Camphorated powders, do- ses of . - - 600 ----how prepared - 607 ----mixture - 610 ----liniment, - 625 ----spirits, - - ib Cancer, treatment of - 3,83 Cancer root - - 474 Candleberry myrtle - 475 Capture of Washington 629 Caraway, properties of 475 Carrot, wild, properties of ib Carroll, Charles, esq. friend of humanity - 653 Carroll, Mrs. cured of a bilious fever by porter 258 Cartilages, anatomy of 16 Casimir, his patience 1 69 Castor oil, how made 476 Catgut, properties of ib Cathartic mixture, how pre: pared - - 610 Cato, his hatred to the fe- male sex - 176 Catullus, his torment after murdering 3000 Jews 157 Caustic alkali, or soap lees, 616 ----lunar, doses of 598 ■ volatile liquor, doses ib Celandine, properties of 476 Cellular membrane, anato- my of - - 24 pag« Cerate, Turner's, how pre- pared - - 627 Centaury, properties of 477 Chalk, prepared, doses of 598 Chalmers, Rev. Mr., friend of humanity 653 ----Mrs., her alarm at a large dose of calomel 458 Chapman, Dr. his recipe for scald head - 364 ------zealous in diffusing knowledge - 462 ------his treatment of the epidemic - - 291 testifies the good effects of seneka in men- strual obstructions 555 Chapel 1, hon. John J. friend of humanity - 653 Chancres - 358 Chaptall's receipt for wine 584 Charleston, citizens of, no- ted for hospitality - 583 Charcoal powder, how pre- pared -. - 608 Chastity, examples of, 127, 130 Cheerfulness, consistent with religion - 233 Cheese,' difficult of diges- tion - - 85 Cherry-tree, wild, an excel- lent substitute for the Pe- ruvian bark - 477- Cheselden, Dr. his obser- vations relative to the study of anatomy Cheves, hon. L. friend of humanity - - 653 Chicken-pox - 310 Chickweed, red - 478 Chilblains - - 376 Child-bed, management of 437 Children, management of 445 Chincough - - 459£ Chocolate, properties of 90 Cholera infantum - 454 ----morbus - - 342 INDEX. 681 Chremes, story of, an in- structive lesson to the in- temperate 80 Chyle, the manner it is con- veyed 42 Cider, properties of 88 Clagget, lieut. died for his country - - - 227 Clap, treatment of - 350 Cleanliness promotes health and preserves beauty 220 ----the foster mother of love - - 222 ----essential both in sick- ness and health 10 Cleavers, properties of 478 Clemm, lieut. died for his countiy - . - 227 Clergyman, story of one 152 Clinias, calms his passions by music - - 171 Clyne, Dr. his advice re- specting the dress of children - -216 Coakum - - 478 Cockburn, commodore, an- ecdotes of - - 644 Cock-up-hat,properties,of 479 Caelius, his irritable dispo- sition - - - 162 Coffee, properties of 90 Cohush, or papoose root, properties of • - 479 Cold, treatment of - 273 —— prevention of 27.1 Cold bath, when beneficial, and when injurious 8 Cold-washing infants, im- portance of - 446 Colic, treatment of - 340 Colt's foot, properties of 480 Columbo, properties of ib Common ulcers - 385 Condict, hon. L. friend of humanity - - 653 Conscience, the force and effects of it 153, 158 page Consumption -.•• - 314 Constantinus, his rcvei-ence f for religion - 240 Convulsions of children - 454 Cooper, J. Esq. his receipt for a cheap wine - 588 Corday, Charlotte, history of her deatlfc - 211 Coriander, properties of 481 Cornaro, recovers a bad con- stitution by temperance 80 Corns, treatment of 381 Cosmetics, observations on 419 Costiveness, remarks on 339 Coucy, captain, and ma- dame Fayel, story of 143 Cough, treatment of - 275 Covington, general, died for his country - 227 Cowell, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Cowparsnip, properties of 481 Cowpox - - 303 Crabs and lobsters, caution in the use of - 85 Craik, Dr. his death, and that of Ins consort 541 Cramp, treatment of 332 Cranes's bill, properties of 481 Crawford, hon. W. H. testi- fies the efficacy of onions in croup - 536 ----his virtues deservedly appreciated - 636 ---- Dr. his successful mode of treating a hypo- chondriac - - 330 Cream of tartar, doses of 598 Croghan, major, the hero of fort Stevenson - 630 Cromwell, Oliver, his hy- pocrisy - . - 229 Crosswort, - - 483 Croup, treatment of 456 Crowfoot, properties of 484 Cuckold - - - ib Cuckow-bread - ib Cuckow-pint, properties of & 682 INDEX. page I Cucumber root - 484 | Cullen, Dr. cured of a can- cer by nightshade 532 ---ceiebrates horse-radish in hoarseness - 514 Cure-all - - 485 Currants, properties of ib Currie, Dr. re^mmends the affusion of cold water in nervous fever - 266 ----celebrates fox-glove in inflammation of the brain 500 Custard apple,properties of 485 Cutaneous eruptions 361 Cutbush, Dr.bears testimo- ny to the efficacy of acids in scurvy - 519 ------■■■ ■ of tobacco in dropsy - - 575 ----his successful practice 291 Cuthbert, hon. A. friend of humanity - - 653 Cutler, Rev. Dr. deserving high commendations 462 ----testifies the efficacy of emetic weed and skunk cabbage in asthma 490, 562 D Dandelion, properties of 486 Darius, his covetousness 191 Darwin, Dr. gives an ac- count of a surgeon killing himself from fear of pov- erty - - 153 -.--- cites a case in which pride was effectually cur- ed - - 208 ---- his remedy to correct bad breath - 306 Daviess, col. his dying words 227 Davis, general, died for his country - 227 Deadly nightshade 486 Death, overmuch feared by some - - 153 «-—- occasioned by many persons placed in small apartments • 63,67 page Death caused by going into a dry well - 68 ---- by sleeping near a lime-kiln - ib ---- by taking a large draught of brandy 69 ----by gormandizing 78 ----■ by exposure to cold weather - - 95 ----by laughter - 142 ——- by joy -, - 144 ----by grief - - 146 ----by fear - - 152 —■-— by anger - - 165 ----■ by envy - - 186 ----by avarice - - 190 ---— by blasphemy - 237 Dentition - •- 454 Deerberry - - 486 Desha, hon. J. friend of humanity - 653 Devil's bit, a vermifuge 486 Dewberry - - ib Dexter, Dr. entitled to praise - - - 462 ---- celebrates bloodroot as a diaphoretic - 469 Diaphragm, use of - 37 Dick, Dr. a delegate 645 Dickenson, J. Esq.. cele- brates the magnolia in rheumatism '-" 522 Diet, observations on 82 Difficulty of tirine - 317 Digestion, nature of ex- plained - - 41, 82 Dill, a delightful aromatic 486 Dionysius, his miserable state of mind - 153 Discharge from the vagina in infants . - - 456 Diseases of children 450 Dislocations - 396 Dislocation of the jaw 398 ----of the shoulder - ib ----of the elbow - 399 —— of the thigh - ib Dispensatory - - 597 Dobby, surgeon of the British navy - - 647 INDEX. 688 Dock, properties of - 487 Dodd, Dr. his sentiments on religion - 233 Dogwood, equal to Peru- vian bark - 487 Donaldson, col. Lowry, his last words - - 227 Dorsey, Dr. his mode of ap; plying blisters in obsti- nate cases of sore eyes 284 Doses of medicines . - 597 Downie, Dr. esteems blood- root an active emetic 469 Dragon's claw - 488 Dragon root - ib Dreams, remarkable cases of - - ioi Dress, custom of, in infants 215 216 218 love of ----neglect of, a bad sign ----advantages of wearing flannel Dropsy Drowned persons how to be treated Drunkards reclaimed, in- stances of - Drunkenness, its horrid consequences Drury, Dr. testifies the ef- ficacy of emetic weed in asthma Dublin lying in hospital, good effects of ventila- ting the rooms Duellists, their want of. re- flection ---- how some have been mortified Dysentery 219 345 370 200 88, 198 491 67 165 167 319 Ear, description of 26 Earach - - 298 Eginardus, anecdote of 112 Eider, properties of 488 Elecampane, properties of 489 page Elegy on the death of Col. Jesse Ewell - 345 ----on an unfortunate girl 355 Elixir paregoric, doses of 598 —— how prepared 623 Elm, properties of 489 Emetic weed, properties of 490 Empirics, cause of* their in- crease - - 3 ----cures on which their fame is built Envy, nature of ----its baneful effects ■ antidote against Epidemic, treatment of Epileptic fits Eppes, hon. J. W. friend of humanity Ergot, properties of Eruptions of the skin Erysipelas Evacuations, importance of 109 Evans, captain, died for his country Evergreen cassine Excretory vessels, use of Exercise, promotes health ---- absolute necessity of Explanation of weights and measures - 606 Eye, description of v 26 ----inflammation of 283 4 185 186 188 289 322 653 492 361 310 227 493 19 90 94 Fainting fits Falling of the fundament of the palate 324 380 282 46 Fallopian tubes, use of Fanaticism, the cause of ex- plained - -• 229 ----how to be treated 230 ----instance of its bane- ful effects - 178 Fashion, its excess disgustful 216 Fear, its origin - 151 ---- turns the hair gray, and occasions death 152 681 INDEX. page Fear, superstitious, foun- dation of - 161 Feather beds, should be fre- quently aired - 108 Featherfew, properties of 493 Febrifuge powders, doses 602 ----how prepared, 607 ----mixture - 610: Federalists, humanity of 653 Feeding of children 448 Feeling, explained 29 Feet, description of 16 Fennel, sweet, properties of 493 Fern, properties of 494 Fever bush, properties of ib Fever root, properties of 495 Fevers in general 245 Fibres, description of 20 Fig-tree, - - 495 Fish - - .85 Flag, blue, properties of 496 ----sweet - - ib Flannel, great preservation of health - 219, 261 Flatulence in infants . 453- Flaxseed, properties of 496 ------sirup, how prepared ib Flea bane, properties of 497 Flies, potatoe, equal to the Spanish - - 549 ■ ■— how collected 540 Flooding - - 421 Flower-de-luce - 497 Flowers, smell of, unhealthy 71 Fluor albus - 422 Flux root '- - 497 Food, the most proper for children - - 74 ----the manner it is re- ceived into the stomach and digested - 38 ----rules to be observed in taking it - 82 Fothergill, Dr. his fana- ticism soon cured - 230 Fowler, Dr. celebrates to- bacco as a diuretic 573 page Foxglove, properties of 497 Fractures of the limbs 400 French apple - 501 Frostwort, properties of ib Frozen limbs, treatment of 377 Fruit, properties of - 86 Fumitory, properties of 501 Funk, lieutenant, died for his* country - 227 G Gaillard, hon. J. friend of humanity - 653 Gaines, general, hero of fort Erie - 630 Galen", Dr. how he became converted - 13 Galling of infants - • 449 Gall bladder, its use 44 Gamble, lieutenant, died for his country - 227 Gamboge, doses of 598 Gangrene - - 394 Gant, Dr. celebrates elm in dysentery - 490 Gardener, colonel, his con- version - " - 201 Gargles, how prepared 618 Garlic, properties of 502 Gaston, the soldier and christian - 167 Gentian, qualities of 503 Gholson, hon. T. friend of humanity - 653 ----Mrs. testifies the tonic effects of samson snake root - - 559 Ginger, doses of - 598 Gibson, colonel, died for his country - 227 Glands, use of - 19 Gleet - - 353 Glossary - -' 659 Glysters - - 620 Gaol fever - - 263 Goats' rue, Virginia 503 INDEX. 685 • page Godfrey, his modesty &c. 214 Golden rod, or thread 503 Gonorrhoea - 350 Goosegrass, properties of 504 Gordon, captain, of the British navy - 645 Gout - - 347 ----doctor, anecdote of ib Graham, John, friend of humanity - - 653 Gratitude, how amiable 231 Gravel, treatment of 317 Graves, major, died for his country - 227 Grayson, captain, his gal- lant conduct - 632 Greene, general, his death 273 Greenleaf's Point, explo- sion at - - 649, Greensickness - 422 Grief, injurious to health 145 ■----deep, induces insanity and death - - 146 ----its best remedy 148 Grimes, Dr. his mode of administering the china 4531 Grinding pains - 435 Gripes in infants - 453 Grog blossoms - 361 Ground holly, properties of 504 Ground pine, - ib Ground pink - - . ib Guinea pepper - 505 ----worm - - 375 H Hamilton, hon. Paul, the philanthropist and patriot 462 ----his description of the button snake root 472 ----the heart snake root 505 ---- of the pleurisy root ,544 ---- of the squirrel ear 564 ____his mode of adminis- tering the May apple 524 ____Archibald, lieutenant, ' died for his country 227 .....account of his death 473 page Hamilton, captain, died for his country Hammock, Dr. celebrates hops in ulcers Hannibal, his excessive pride Hardicanute, killed by glut- tony Hart, captain, died for his country Harriet, story of Hartshorn, doses of Harts' tongue, properties of 505 Harvey, discoverer of the circulation of the blood Hatred, destructive to mind and body ----instances of Hawes, hon. A. the friend 227 511 207 73 227 121 598 34 174 175 of humanity Mi's, testifies the tonic 653 effects of Samson snake root - - 559 Head, description of 25 Headach - - 297 Heart, anatomy of - 32 Heartburn - - 337 Heart's ease, properties of 505 ib 506 508 626 509 Heart snake root, Hellebore, properties of Hemlock, properties of Hemorrhoidal ointment, Henbane, properties of Henderson, colonel,' died for his country Hendry, Dr. testifies the efficacy of crane's bill as an astringent Herb bennet ----trinity Hesiod, his observations re- lating to hope Hiccup Hickman, captain, died for his country - Hill, sir J. his effrontery Hippocrates, his jealousy Hives, treatment of 227 482 509 510 137 3 j 5 227 558 124 156 686 INDEX. page Hoarseness 275 & 514 Hogbed, properties of 510 Holmes, captain, died for his. country - 227 Holwell, colonel, his ac- count of the black hole in Calcutta - 63 Holy thistle - 510 Homer, cause of his death 146 Hooded widow herb 510 Hooper, captain, died for his country - 227 Hooping cough 459^ Hope, the source of human happiness - !,■ 137 ■- ■■ its great influence on the body - - 138 Hoppuck, captain, died for his country - 227 Hops, properties of 510 Horehouncl, properties of 513 Horseradish, properties of ib Hosack, Dr. a meritorious and distinguished botanist 462 Hospitals, a cheap plan re- commended to planters 11 ----ought now to be esta- blished in all our sea-port towns - - 12 ■----a most miserable sub- stitute - for one - 657 Houseleek, properties of 514 Howell, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Hughes, Dr. recommends lavender thrift as an an- tiseptic - j 18 Hunter, Rev. Dr. slept comfortably under snow 96 Husbands, instances of the base cruelty of some 131,199 Hydrophobia - 37*4 Hygeihe, or means of pre- serving health - 56 Hypochondriac disease 328 Hypocrisy - - 228 Hyssop, properties of 514 Hysteric fits - 324 I& J page Jack, captain, died for his country - - 227 Jackson, hon. J. G. friend of humanity - 653 Jalap, doses of - 598 James' Town weed 517 Jaundice - - 366 Jaundice, infantile 45 1 Iceplant, properties of 515 Jealousy, horrid effects of 125 Jerusalem oak, - 517 Imagination, force of 428 Imperforated anus 451 vagina - .ib Impiety, consequences of 237 Incontinence of urine 3 16 Indian hemp, properties of 515 ----physic, properties of ib ---- tobacco - - ib ---- turnip - - 516 Indigestion - - 338 Indigo weed, properties of 517 Infection, means of arrest- ing its progress 271 Inflammation of the bladder 297 ------of the brain 272 ------of the breast 438 ------of the eyes 283 ------of the intestines 295 of the kidnies 296 ------of the liver " 29 1 ------of the lungs 288 -----— of the stomach 293 ------of the throat 276 Influenza - ' - 274 Ingenhouz,Dr. his remarks on the properties of plants 70 Injections, how prepared 620 Inj u ries of the head 400 Intemperance, a suicidal practice - 192 ------a miserable refuge from misfortune 193 ------danger of - 197 ----■— instances of persons being reclaimed 20£) INDEX. 687 page Intestines, anatomy of 39 Intoxication, description of 369 ------how to be treated 370 Joan, murders her husband 127 Johnson, Dr. his pleasure on seeing ladies at work 92 Joseph, his exemplary con- duct - - 129 Joy, facilitates, the "cure of disease - - 141 ----fatal instances of, when excessive - 143 Ipecacuanha, doses of 598 ' ' American 517 Issues ' - - 408 Itch - - 363 Itch lotion, how prepared 619 Juniper properties of 518 Ivy - - 517 K Kellie, Dr. his remedy for the ague - 252 Key, F. Esq. his noble conduct - - 654 Kidnies, their use - 45 King, Dr. testifies the effi- cacy of thdrn apple in af- fections of the brain 568 King of Hungary, story of 154 King's evil ' - 365 Kingston, sir Wm. his cruel disposition - 180 Kittering, V. Mr. states chickweed to be a specific for the bite of a mad dog 478 Kollock, Dr. testifies the efficacy of the pride of China as a febrifuge 553 L Labour, symptoms of 429 .___management of 430 _---lingering - - ib Lacedemonians, their re- spect to old age - 214 page Lambkill - - 5\8 Lavater,his remarks on dress 218 Lauderdale, col. died for his country - - 227 Laudanum, doses of - 598 ------how prepared - 621 ------caution in the use of 287 Lavender, doses of - 598 ------thrift, properties of 518 Laurel ib Lawrence, captain, his dy- ing injunction - 227 Leadwater, how prepared 617 Leeches, mode of applying 406 Legate, lieut. died for his country - 227 Legs, description of - 16 — dislocation of - 400 — fracture of - - 401 Lemon tree - 519 Lettice, wild, properties of 520 Lichen, properties of ib Life root, properties of 521 Ligaments, anatomy of 17 Lime kilns, dangerous ef- fects of - - 68 Lime water, how prepared 615 Lind, Dr. his remarks re- lating to the passions 139 Lisbon, massacre of the Jews 178 Little, Dr. celebrates the may apple as an excellent purge - - 524 Liver, anatomy of - 44 Lobelia, properties of 521 Lochial discharge - 420 Lockjaw - - 332 Looseness - 343 Love, definition of - 111 — the powerful influence of 112 — propitious, conducive to health - - H9 — disappointed, renders the soul frantic - ib Lover, false, an abominable character - - L30 Louis, punishes a cou rtier 19 0 Louisa, affecting story of 119 4 p 688 INDEX. Page. Lowndes, hon. W. friend of humanity - 653 Lowness of spirits 328 Ludlow, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Lumbago - - 302 Lungs, description of 32 M Madder, properties of 522 Madison, Mrs. her amiable character duly apprecia- ted - ' - 642 Magdeburg, bishop,his faith 240 Magnesia, doses of - 598 Magnolia, properties of 522 Maiden hair, properties of 523 Male fern - ib Malignant fever - 263 ------sore throat - 279 Mallow, common 523 Management of childbed 437 -----r-of infants - 445 Mandrake, or may apple 524 Manna, doses of - 598 Marsh mallow,properties of 524 Martin, sailing-master, his gallant conduct - 632 Mason, T. Esq. celebrates pleurisy root in inflam- matory diseases 543 Mastervvort, properties of 525 Maximianus, his envy 188 May apple - 525 Mayrant, col. his descrip- tion of the samson snake root - - 558 May weed, properties of 525 McCormick, col. D. testi- fies the efficacy of peach leaves in bilious fever 539 McKenney, Mr. W. friend of humanity - 653 McKim, hon. Alex, friend of humanity - 653 McDonough, lieut. died for his country 227 page. Mead, captain, died for his country - 227 Mease, Dr. deserving of high praise - 462 ----testifies the efficacy of alder as an antiseptic 463 Measles - 309 Mechanism of the human body, contrivance of 51 Meconium, observations on 448 Medicine, some knowledge of, important to the heads of families - 3 ----necessary caution in the use of 5 Membranes, description of 20 Menstruation, - 420 Mercurial solution, 614 Mezereon, properties of 525 Middleton, captain, died for his country - 227 Milesian virgins, their great modesty Miliary fever Militia, anecdotes of shamefully neglected Milk, properties of Milk fever Milk, or silk weed* Milkwort, properties of Milledge, hon. John, culti- vates the benne Miller, major, his gallant conduct Miltwaste Minor, col. his opinion re- specting the fate of Wash- ington Mint Miscarriage Misleto, properties of Mison, his hatred of man Mitchill, Dr. his account of Miss Baker ----Dr. deservedly ap- preciated ----celebrates the elm in several diseases 213 440 636 656 527 440 526 527 468 632 527 630 527 426 527 175 103 462 489 INDEX. 689 Modesty, its great influence 209 Monimia, her deplorable fate - - 133 Montagne, relates a singular story of a king - 162 Monteith, surgeon of the Bri- tish army, his death 629 Moore, Dr. cites a case rela- tive to the force of imagi- nation - - 429 Moorwort, properties of 528 Motherwort, properties of il, Mountain tea, properties of ib Mouthwort, or golden thread 529 Mortification - 394 Mosely, Dr. his favourite re- medy in dysentery 320 Mugwort, properties of 529 Muir, Rev. Dr. a delegate 645 Mulberry tree, properties of 529 Mullein, properties of 530 Mumps - - 283 Muscles, description of 17 Music, powerful effects of 172 Mustard, properties of 531 N Navel string, manner of ty ing it - - - 445 Navy, brilliant achieve- ments of 635 Nerves, description of 18 Nervous fever 263 Nettle rash 362 Nettle, stinging 531 Nightmare 335 Nightshade, properties of 532 Nipples, sore 439 Nitre, doses of 598 Nitric acid diluted 611 Nostrils, their use 28 Nostrums, danger of 4 o Oak, the bark of, possesses in a great degree astrin- page. gent, tonic, and antisep- tic properties 534 — astonishing cure wrought by it - - ib O'Fling, ensign,died for his • country - . 227 Ointment, basilicon 627 ----- hemorrhoidal 626 ------mercurial - ib -—--- simple - ib ----— saturnine - ib Omentum, its use - 43 Onions, properties of 535 Opiates, caution in the use*of287 Opium, doses of - 598 Opodeldoc, how prepared 625 Orange-tree - 537 Orne, Dr. recommends cow- , parsnip in epilepsy 481 Ovaria, description of 47 P Pace, captain, died for his country - 227 Pagan religion, account of 148 Pain of the stomach 340 Palate, elongation of 282 Palmer, Mr. anecdote of, 350 Palpitation of the heart 334 Palsy, treatment of 327 Pancreas, its use - 45 Papau - - 537 Papoose root - ib Paraphymosis - - 351 Paregoric elixir, doses of 598 ---■■— how prepared - 623 Parrot, killed by eating the berries of pride of China 552 Parsley-leaved yellow-root, 538 Parsley, properties of 539 Passions are either of an agreeable or disagreeable nature - - 110 Patent medicines, or nos- trums, why dangerous 4 Patriotism, definition of 223 —— of Themistocles 224 690 INDEX. page- Pokeweed, properties of 546 Polygonum, properties of 547 Polypody, properties of ib Pomegranate, properties of ib Pope, Julius, relieved of a fever by joy - 141 Poplar-tree, properties of 548 Poppy, white, properties of ib Potatoe, sweet, properties of 549 ----wild - - 550 Poultry, - - 85 Pox, treatment of - 356 Pregnancy, signs of 423 Preliminary observations 1 Prickly ash, properties of 550 ----heat, treatment of 362 ----pear, properties of 551 ----yellow wood - 550 Pride of India, or China, 551 Progress of labour - 429 Prolapsus ani - 380 Prometheus, his story rela- ting to intemperance 194 Prostrate gland, description 47 Ptolomeus, cried for joy 141 Puccoon - - 5 53 Puerperal fever - 445 Putrid fever - 263 Pythagorean philosopher go- verned by his conscience 158 page. | Patriotism of aFrench soldier225 ----of an English sailor 226 ----of Americans 227 Peach-tree, properties of 539 Perspiration insensible, the importance of 22—220. -~— when suppressed, the danger of - 23 Penis, anatomy of 47 Pennyroyal, properties of 540 Peppermint, properties of ib Pepper, red, properties of 542 Pericles, his command of temper - 169 Peripneumony - 288 Petechial fever - 263 Peter, major, his gallant conduct - 630 Philip, his good nature 170 Phrensy - - 272 Phymosis - - 351 Physic, Dr. his excellent advice in hemorrhage of the extremities 388 Pike, general, died nobly for his country - 227 Piles - - 318 Pills, mercurial - 614 —^purgative - 612 —— of sugar of lead and ipecacuanha - 613 >----tonic - - ib ----vitriolic - - ib Pinkroot, properties of 542 Pins, swallowing of - 376 Piss wort - - 543 Pittacus, his shrew of a wife 126 Placenta - - 433 Plantain, properties of 543 Plaster, blistering - 627 Pleurisy, treatment of 286 Pleurisy root, properties of 543 Plutarch, his observations relating to bashfulness -213 Poe, lieut. died for his coun- try - - 227 Poison, treatment of 372 —— oak, properties of 545 Q Quacks, cause of their in- crease - - 3 Quaker girl, her attractions 222 Quarles, captain, died for his country - 227 Queen of the meadows 553 Quince-tree, properties of ib Quinsy, treatment of 277 R Radish, properties of 554 Ramsey, Dr. his death 392 Rand, Dr. celebrates fox- glove in spitting of blood 499 INDEX. 691 page. Raspberry, properties of 5.54 Rattle snake root - ib Rattle snake violet 556 Red gum, treatment of 452 Regimen, its importance 11 Religion conduces greatly to health - - 228 ■ gives a check to our passions - - 231 ----purifies our enjoyments in life - - 233 ----the reverence which heathens paid to it 238 Remittent fever - 254 Rheumatism - 300 Rhubarb, doses of 600 ----wild - - - 536 Ribs, use of - 15 Rickets - * 460 Ricketson, Dr. his mode of extracting opium 548 Ringgold, hon. S. friend of humanity - 653 Ringworm - - 363 Ripley, general, his gallant conduct - - 630 Robert, king, his forbearance 169 Romans, great drinkers 88 Rooms, the importance of airing them - ib Roosevelt, lieut. died for his country - - 227 Rose, properties of 556 ----willow, properties of 557 Ross, general, his conduct at Washington - 638 Routs, dangerous tendency of - - 63 Ruptures - - 378 Rush, Dr. his obsertations relating to wine 583 S Sage, properties of 558 Sailor, American, singular patriotism of one 227 Sailors, too inattentive to health - - 261 page Sailors, deserve the best treatment - - 12 Saline mixture, doses of 602 ------how prepared 611 Salt of tartar, doses of 600 Samson snake root, - 558 Sanicle, American - 559 Sarsaparilla, properties of 560 Sassafras, properties of ib Sausages - - 85 Savannah, citizens of, noted for their hospitality 583 Scaldhead - - 364 Scalds and burns 377 Scirrhus - - 383 Sciatic - - 303 Scipio, his virtue - 127 Scrofula - - 365 Scullcap, blue - 560 Scurvy - - 359 Scurvy grass, properties of 560 Sea sickness - 368 Secretory*vessels, use of 19 Seminal weakness 353 Senna, properties of 561 Senses, specified and defined 25 Seton - . - 408 Severus> his reverence for religion - - 239 Sevier, captain of marines, his gallant conduct 632 Shaw, Dr. his death 538 Sight, the sense of analyzed 25 Sinapisms, how prepared 628 Sirup of flaxseed - 496 Skin, anatomy of - 20 ----the functions of, ex- plained - 21—23 ----diseases of - 361 Skoke - - 561 Skunk cabbage - ib Slaves, brutally murdered 163 ----revenge of one on his master - - 177 ----the manner they ought to be treated - 10 Slave trade, barbarity of 66 Sleep, concise history of 97 ----consequences arising 692 INDEX. page From too much or too little - - 99 ----after dinner, whether advisable - 400 Sleeptalker - - 103 Sleepwalker - 105 Small-pox - 307 Smith, lieut. died for his country - 227 Snuffles - - 451 Soapwort, properties of 562 Socrates, his maxim relat- ing to food - 79 Solander, Dr. advice of, re- lating to cold - 94 Solution of kali, - 615 ■------crude sal ammoniac ib Sore eyes - - 283 ----nipples - 43*9 Sorrel, properties of 563 Southern wood - ib South-sea tea, properties of ib Speech, blessing of - 29 Spence, Dr. his mode of exhibiting fox-glove 498 Spencer, captain, died for his country • - 227 Spikenard, properties of 564 Spirit of lavender, doses of 600 i of mindererus, doses 602 —-■---how prepared 611 Spitting of blood - 312 Spleen, description of 45 ----enlargement of 252 Spleenwort - 564 Spotted fever - 263 Sprains and bruises 395 Spurge laurel - 564 Squirrel ear, properties of ib Stansbury, lieut. died for his country - 227 Stevenson, Dr. his remark on bowel complaints 319 ----his treatment of a hy- pochondriac - 329 Still born infant, mode of recovering - 450 page Stings of insects - 373 Stink weed - - 565 Stockton, John, his deplor- able situation - 618 Stoddard, major, died for his country - 227 Stomach, description of 38 Stork, Dr. testifies the ef- ficacy of henbane in pal- pitation - - 509 Strangury - - 317 Strawberry, properties of 565 Stroke of the sun - 273 Stye, see sore eyes Sugar of lead, doses of 608 Sulphur, doses of - ib Sumach* properties of 565 Sundew, properties of 566 Suppression of urine 317 Sutures - - 390 Swallowwort - 567 Swan, W. esq. a delegate 645 Swelling of the breast in infants - - 452 Swift, J. esq. a delegate 645 Swine pox - - 310 Table of medicines for fa- mily use - 597 ----of weights and mea- sures - - 606 Taliaferro, John, esq. his re- medy for whitlow 382 Tansy - - 567 Tartar emetic, doses of 600 ----on the teeth, how to remove and prevent it 300 Tar water, "how prepared 616 Taste, pleasures of 28 Tea - - 89 Teeth, management of 300 Teething - - 454 Tendons, use of - 17 Testicles, anatomy of 47 ----swelling of - 352 T INDEX. 693 Tetany, treatment of 332 Tetters, treatment of 363 Thatcher, Dr. entitled to praise - - 462 Theodoricus, his shocking death - - 157 Theodosius, his wrath abat- ed by music - 171 Thighs, description of 16 ------dislocation of 399 ------fracture of - 401 Thorax, description of 31 Thomas, Dr. testifies the good effects of cayenne in putrid sore throat 281 ...... recommends char- coal to stop bleeding at the nose - - 312 Thomas Dr. G. testifies the efficacy of calico tree in diarrhoea - 474 Thorn apple, properties of 567 Thornton, Dr. cultivates ginseng - - 503 Thorough wort, properties 571 Throatroot - - 572 Thrush, treatment of 453 Thyme, properties of 572 Timon, the man-hater 175 Tincture of bark - 622 ----of cantharides 623 ----of columbo - 622 ----of foxglove - -623 ----of myrrh - ib -----of rhubarb - 622 ----of steel - 600 —— rheumatic 624 ----thebaic - 621 Tinea, or scald-head 364 Tobacco, properties of 573 Tongue-tied - 450 Tonic drops, - - 612 ----powders, doses of 602 ----■ —— how prepared 608 Toothach - 299 Toothach-tree - 550 Towson, captain, his gallant conduct - - 630 page Travellers in winter, caution to - - - 94 Troup, hon. G. M. friend of humanity - 653 ------his great virtue 656 ------testifies the efficacy of peach-tea in fevers 539 ------his deafness cured 299 Tumours - - 382 ------on the scalp of in- fants - - 450 Turner's cerate, how pre- * pared - - 627 Typhus fever - 263 U Ulceration of the navel 452 Ulcers - - 385 Ureters, use of - 45 Urethra - - 47 Uterus, description of 45 Uvipertus, his hair becomes gray from grief 147 V Vaccine disease 303 Vagina, description of 46 Vanhorn, captain, died for his country 227 Vanity, effects of 205 ---- cure of 208 Van Ness, general, friend of humanity 653 Veins, description of 19 Venereal disease 350 Venison 85 Villars, murders his wife 131 Vine, cultivation of 580 Violet, rattle snake 589 Violet, sweet, ib Virgin's bower, 590 Virginia snake root ib Vitriolic solution 608 Voltaire, his conversion 240 Vomiting, treatment of 257. 342 694 INDEX. Wake robin - 591 Walnut, properties of ib Wanley, Rev. N. bears tes- timony of the efficacy of music in subduing the passions - - 172 Warm bath, virtue of 9 Warts - - 381 Washing of infants 446 Washington, general, his death - - 278 ------city, capture of 629 Water cresses - 591 ..... impure, how to cor- rect it - - 270 ----trefoil - - 592 Watery head - 455^ Wattles, captain, died for his country - 227 Wayne, general, his death 349 Weakness of the stomach 338 Weems, Dr. his prescrip- tion - - 341 ------his death - ib Wells, dry, danger of 68 White betony, properties of 592 Whites - - 422 White swelling - 367 White vitriol, doses of 600 White wood - - 592 Whitlow - - 381 Wilkinson, Dr. celebrates the willow as a tonic 593 Williams, captain, died for his country - 227 page Wistar, Dr. celebrates ni- tric acid in liver com- plaints - - 293 Withering, Dr. testifies the efficacy of fox-glove in dropsy - - 500 Willow, properties of 592 Wilmer, lieut. died for his country - 227 Wind and costiveness of children - 453 Wine, excellent to prevent as well as cure diseases 580 ----the use of economy 581 —— abuse of, injurious 582 ----receipts for making 584 ----adulteration of, how delected - 262 Winterberry - 593 Wintergreen - ib Wood betony, properties of ib Woodhouse, Dr. his de- scription of the parsley- leaved yellow root 538 ■ his death - ib Worms - - 453$ Wormseed - 993 Wormwood - - ib Wounds - - 388 Y Yarrow, properties of 593 Yates, lieut. died for his country - - 237 Yeast, receipts for making 512 Yellow fever - 254 FINIS; vn**- ui« A/cmucriiuc rress. ' ^''—Thi'-great quantities of the costly and of- ; ten impure Peruvian bark, consumed in this city, has iudii' ed me to send you the following extract from Co.se's Medical Museum, which recommends *he bl if k oak b irk of America, as a substitute for if. The abilities of the author of the following" ■\ piece are too well known to require any comment. " MEDICAMENTARIUS." " On the efficacy of the black oak bark of Ame- rica, in all diseases in which the Peruvian Bark has been used with success. By J. C. Rosseau, : M. D. || "The high price of Peruvian Bark and its scarci- ty, induced tne some time past to try whether" it ■ could not be replaced by some substitute, The Black Oak Bark had been used in our Dispensary, but finding that it had not the least effect, I had de- ' sisted prescribing it. Beiug some months after, i by the politeness of Mr. Benger, supplied with a parcel of the powder of the same kind of bark, prepared by himself in his manufactory, I found it so elegantly manufactured, and so much superior in fineness to any other powder used in medicine, that I resolved to make a new and complete trial ©f its virtues. Upon a stricter inquiry, 1 found that the black oak bark that had been given to my former patients, under the care of the Dispensary, was so coarsely powdered that few or none of them had H«VV taken it, and nothing could be said either in favor of, or against it, from all my former trials. The first patient, T-----G-----, who fell under my care, was a journeyman printer. He labored under a tertian fever, and had been trying him- self some of the Peruvian bark, without effect. I administered the black oak bark, and he took it in the dose of nearly two ounces a day in the lime of j the intermission. The ensuing paroxysm was ve- j ry moderate, and he missed entirely the next.— j Having continued the bark for a few days, he had no return of the disease. "Extremely satisfied with my success, I went in search of patients laboring under intermittent fe- vers. A second trial answered my expectation as completely as the first. A 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th gave me not the least disappointment, and were all free from fever three or four days after using the bark. I had until then given it in a very large dose, but thought of trying whether a smaller one would not be as efficacious. Numerous trials where the bark was not taken in a dose of more''than an ounce in 24 hours, met all with the same success. During the lapse of time that I was engaged in my experiments, I had several opportunities of trying the same bark in a number of cases, where Peru- via * ' : ltld it j )ad bee ers , described by Alibert/ and cured so successfully by thf Peruvian bark; I did in no instance whatever - • fail to stop the paroxysm in two or three days at farthest. The last case that I had the satisfac- tion, I can say to cure although it is an expression that I make use of extremely rarely was in a lady attacked with a cephalick fever described by Ali- bert: her fever was intense, and the headache so vio- lent that to use her own own words, she had never ^ heard or felt any thing equal to it. All the other symptoms taken into consideration, I determined to administer the bark, and fully persuaded of the efficacy of the black oak bark, I resorted to it, find- ing that this lady's stomach could not bear the smallest dose of Peruvian bark. " She took the black oak bark in the dose of a v drachm 6 or 8 times a day, was almost immediate- <■•» ly relieved, and her stomach did not reject it a .:".. single time. It is a remark I have generally made that the black oak bark is less nauseous and not so apt to excite vomiting as I have found the Peruvi- an bark to be. I do not even recollect a single instance where the black oak bark was thrown up at the time I admhiistered such a large dose as that of two ounces a day. "Upon the whole, and especially from the success of my trials, I cannot but recommend the intro- duction of the black oak bark in our shops, war- rant its efficacy, and place it on a, parallel with the costly and often adulterated Peruvian bark. An enumeration and relation of all the cases, which I cured with the black oak bark, would be too lengthy for a periodical work. Its merits must rest, until further trials, by other medical gentlemen, upon my own character and veracity." The editor is happy to be able to confirm the merits of the above mentioned remedy, from the result of several cases which have occurred to him; and he trusts these facts will lead our practitioners to a more frequent trial of our own indigenous and valuable articles of the Materia Medica. * iVJedicin dela Saltpetriere a Paris. A NEW FEVER. Georgetown, fS C.J Sept. 18. The past summer has, perhaps, been moflt remarkable throughout the different statea for the prevalence of alarming fevers, and other diseases, than any other within the re- collection of the oldest inhabitants. By the following extract of a letter to the Editor, da« ted the 8th inst. from a gentleman residing in Kershaw district, it will appear that the in- habitants of the most favored situations havei not been exempt: «« Since the month of June, my ' has had more the appearance of than a back country residence, whs^s a.?*-.'.'* has been .enjoyed for upwards : i________________ years. I had ten negroes sick with the pre- vailing fever in June. I followed the usual plan of depleting by drastic medicine and vsnesection, but the fever never abated, Af. ter cleansing the stomach (which was dim-, cult, having with some to give five active Ca- thartics in succession,) I resolved to use the cold bath—accordingly I commenced, and it was attended with the happiest consequen- ces. After using medicine as above and blis- tering severely, I found medicine had failed and 1 must move to experiment. I frequent- ly had the water highly charged with salt, about three quarts of salt to five gallons of water, and used in that way. After commen- cing this plan of treatment, out of forty, I lost one, with whom I did not use the bath. The most appropriate name we have for this fever is Typhus Gravior, but the symp- toms after the fourth day are more of Typhus Icterodes than Typhus Gravior. This may be accounted for, as one may run into the other. Some other cases may be better ap- pellated Spotted Fever; and we have had a few attacks, of Cynunche Maligna. Some are i blind suddenly, without fever, for days after- \ "vards : others deaf, that the sound of a trum- | pet could not rouse them. Some after being » a convalescent state for three weeks, and I jestitutw of fever, are seized with a pain in ' the hip and a deadness in one tide, such as is ->mmon with Paralysis. Sometimes a cuta- eous eruption precedes the attack, making its appearance in the ears and covering the system universally, resembling what iscalUJi i Urticaria or Varicella. Methinks the whole i may be summoned up and represented as Pesiis. That the atmosphere is charged with j the seeds of contagious disease is evident; | and that spme cons i'utions possess a predis- 1 position to disease is also evident. The locat [ situation of some, with tlieir manner of living, j render the attacks more alarmng in some sections of the country than otliers.—But it is a fact indubitable, that changing the air and keeping the patient cool, is one among the grandest things to arrest the progress of dis- ease. I find old people generally escape, but • children and young people in the bloom of are apt to be suflerers. Medical gentle- ! .atn may advance a reason which may serve to feed fancy and pass -way time in social conversation. Our opinions may be judi- ciously grounded as far as the weakness of a mortal's capacity can dive and lathom But this appears only to go part of the way. I have ever thought and mill think it a judicial visitation from the Almighty. An t-mh.ent physician from New-England, who has been a successful practitioner for upwards ot twen- ty years, affirms he never saw such a (.. yeT before—nor will the symptoms agree with typhus gravior, or icterodes. Another of emi- nence states, it is a visitation from God. I I find every one clear of infidelity, seems to think it a strange thing. 1 trust the judg- ments of God succeeding the long exercise of His goodness and mercy may lewd men to repentance. 1 fear the present month and October will be very sickly with us." [ W nyavr Intelligencer, The Celebrated BALM OF QUITO, IS a medicine unequalled by any in the world fo the cure of Coughs, Colds, Asthmas, Consumptions &c. &c. Since this excellent Medicine was first discovered, upwards of three hundred thousand persons have ex- perienced its happy and salutacy efFects, many of whom had been by Asthmatic and Consumptive com- plaints reduced to the brink of the grave; their con- stitutions were quite emaciated, and had cast off all hopes of recovery, having used every remedy re- commenced as specifics for those complaints, and had made every application to the faculty that could be ob- tained. Common colds which are generally occasioned by obstructed perspiration, will be found to yield to its influence in a very short time. In common coughs, which are in general the effects of cold, it gives immedia,te relief, removing those troublesome irritations, or as they are called, tick- lings in the throat, which act as a constant stimulus to coughing, and in quieting those convulsive excite- ments and causing the afflicted to breathe and speak freely. It induces rest and sleep in an eminent de- gree, and strengthens the constitution, which enables it to repel an enemy whose attacks are frequently fol- lowed by the most futal consequences. Persons afflicted v. itli Pulmonary complaints or dis- orders of the breast and lungs, (even in the most ad- vanced period cf life,) '.villfind immediate relief. In Asthmatic or Consumptive affections, (recent or chronic,) Hoarseness, Catarrhs, VYheezings, am? sho'rti.eis of breath, it will give immediate ease-. Congealed Phlegm, Acrimony in the fluids, and ob- struction in ihe glands,- are with ease and safety dis- charged by gentle cxpe'-toration. It is also mti'-h admired in soreness of the breast arjd stomach, giving present ease-in those cases. The maker of this medicine in London, gives it the a'.'ove recommendation. Sold whoU sale and retail by tne subscribers, as a0"jnts for John B. Ravnkau* of Boston. Saml/Wctherill & Sons, July 29—thm3a No. 65, North FrouKt _"£ MexL-rW wz